Cleona Borough Police are investigating a tragic two-vehicle crash that occurred Saturday evening, May 3, in North Annville Township, resulting in the deaths of two local men.
The collision, which involved a motorcycle and a mid-size SUV, happened around 7:00 p.m. at the intersection of Syner and Palmyra Bellegrove Roads.
According to Cleona Borough Police Chief Jeffrey Farneski, officers were dispatched to the scene following 911 calls reporting a serious crash. Upon arrival, emergency personnel found the two drivers—the only occupants of their respective vehicles—deceased at the scene.
They were later identified by the Lebanon County Coroner’s Office as 28-year-old Luis Enrique Ortiz of South Annville Township and 26-year-old Zachary Long of North Annville Township.
Ortiz was operating the motorcycle, while Long was driving the SUV. A young child, who was the sole passenger in Long’s vehicle, miraculously survived the crash without any apparent physical injuries. Chief Farneski said the child had managed to crawl out of the wreckage and was discovered in the roadway by first responders.
The child was immediately transported to Penn State Hershey Medical Center for evaluation and precautionary treatment. He has since been released and reunited with his mother.
The incident has deeply impacted the North Annville and South Annville communities. Both Ortiz and Long were local residents, and the shock of losing two young lives in such a sudden and violent manner has left families and neighbors reeling.
“This is a heartbreaking incident, and our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of both men,” said Chief Farneski in a statement Sunday. “It is always a tragedy when lives are lost on our roads, and this crash has been particularly difficult given the involvement of a child and the loss of two young adults from our community.”
The intersection where the crash occurred remained closed for approximately four hours Saturday night as police worked to investigate the scene. Traffic was redirected, and local fire departments—North Annville Fire Company and the Annville-Cleona Fire Department—assisted in managing the emergency response and securing the area.
Chief Farneski noted that the Cleona Borough Police Department is contracted to provide law enforcement services to North Annville Township. He emphasized that investigators are still working to determine the cause of the crash, including the speed of the vehicles, road conditions, visibility at the intersection, and whether any mechanical failures or other contributing factors played a role.
At this time, no further details have been released regarding the circumstances leading up to the crash. The police department is asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has dashcam footage from the area at the time of the accident to come forward and assist with the investigation.
The loss of Ortiz and Long has prompted an outpouring of grief on social media, where friends and family members have shared memories, photos, and tributes. Ortiz was remembered as a passionate motorcycle enthusiast with a love for the outdoors and a generous spirit. Long, described as a devoted father and hard-working member of the community, was praised for his kindness and his close bond with his child.
Community members have expressed their condolences and support for both families, especially for the child who survived the crash. Several neighbors have already begun coordinating efforts to support the affected families through meal trains, memorial fundraisers, and other gestures of solidarity.
“This is a devastating time for everyone who knew Luis and Zachary,” one family friend posted online. “Please keep their families in your prayers, especially the little one who went through something no child should ever have to experience.”
As the investigation continues, police are expected to work closely with the Lebanon County Coroner’s Office and crash reconstruction experts. More information will be released as it becomes available.
Chief Farneski reiterated that road safety remains a top priority for the department and encouraged all motorists to drive attentively, obey speed limits, and remain vigilant—especially at rural intersections where visibility may be compromised.
Anyone with information related to the crash is encouraged to contact the Cleona Borough Police Department at (717) 272-2054.
“We are committed to finding out exactly what happened,” said Farneski. “We owe it to the families, the community, and to the memory of the lives that were lost.”
