Blairsville, Indiana County – Raquel Ciampi tragically lost her life following a severe incident involving a speeding van on Spring Street. The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Sunday when Ciampi and an infant reportedly fell from the van as it was traveling at high speed.
Witnesses reported that the gold van was moving rapidly when Ciampi and the infant fell out. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but the van fled the scene, turning onto West Brown Street before crashing into a retaining wall.
The driver of the van, identified as Rony Gomez Lopez, attempted to escape on foot but was apprehended with the use of a stun gun. Inside the abandoned van, authorities found a crying 3-year-old, who was removed for a medical evaluation.
Ciampi informed officers that Gomez Lopez had been speeding and hitting her, which led to the fall, as the van’s door was not securely closed. Both Ciampi and the 3-year-old were transported to the hospital for treatment. Ciampi sustained minor injuries, but the infant was airlifted to UPMC Children’s Hospital and is currently in critical condition.
Rony Gomez Lopez is now facing multiple charges, including child endangerment, fleeing from police, and resisting arrest. The community mourns the loss of Raquel Ciampi and hopes for the recovery of the injured infant.