Armstrong Jr./Sr. High School Student Landon Akins, 16, Dies In Accident, Leaving His Parents Behind
Cadogan, Armstrong County: Landon Akins, a 16-year-old Armstrong Junior/Senior High School, passed away in a car crash in Clarion County on Saturday afternoon, March 22, 2025.
His sudden passing has left his parents, family, and the entire school community in deep grief.
Highlights
- Landon Akins was the son of Barry Alan Akins and Leighann Berry, born in Kittanning, Armstrong County, on August 4, 2008.
- He passed away alongside Cambrie Priester and Christopher McNutt in a car accident on Saturday afternoon, March 22, 2025.
- He attended Armstrong Jr./Sr. High School and planned to join Lenape Tech for welding to build a bright future for himself.
Alongside Landon, 16-year-old Cambrie Priester and 55-year-old Christopher McNutt also lost their lives. They passed away due to blunt force trauma at the scene.
Pennsylvania State Police reported a tragic collision on Route 68 in Toby Township.
According to authorities, a northbound 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander crossed the center double yellow lines and collided with a southbound 2017 Jeep Cherokee operated by McNutt.
Both the driver and passenger of the northbound vehicle, identified as juveniles, tragically lost their lives at the scene.
The driver of the southbound vehicle also succumbed to injuries, while a juvenile passenger in the southbound vehicle sustained serious injuries and was transported to the hospital for treatment.
This heartbreaking incident has left the community in mourning.
It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that we share the news of a sudden loss of life affecting several families within our school district and the entire local community. In a tragic accident occurring on March 22nd, several individuals, including a student and a guardian of Union School District students, lost their lives.
Landon Akins’s Family Mourns The Tragic Loss
Landon Avory Akins, the son of Barry Alan Akins and Leighann Berry, was born on August 4, 2008, in Kittanning, Armstrong County.
The Akins family extends their most profound gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this heartbreaking time. They ask for privacy as they grieve the unimaginable loss of their precious son.
Landon was a cherished son who attended Armstrong Jr./Sr. High School. He planned to participate in Lenape Tech for welding to build a bright future for himself.
Moreover, he embraced life with unparalleled zest, finding joy in every adventure and moment. He was in his element, whether fishing, hunting, camping, or racing with AWRCS, and he made experiences that would last a lifetime.
Similarly, he loved riding his dirt bike alongside his friends and looked forward to annual traditions like deer camp and the bonfires at the Riggle house, where laughter and camaraderie filled the air.
Landon had a remarkable ability to share his love and warmth, touching countless lives during his brief but impactful 16 years. He will forever hold a special place in the hearts of those who knew him.
His father, Bear Akins, Pap, Tim Berry Sr., and great-grandparents, Big Pap and B-Ninny Arthur, Carl Trusiak, Robert Cypher, and Donald Knappenberger, preceded him in death.
They welcomed him into heaven with open arms and reunited in eternal peace.
On the other hand, his parents, Leighann and Greg Berry, Ami Akins; siblings, Lanna Marie, Hunter, Nikayla, and Elijah; grandparents, Robert Knappenberger, Charles and Laurie Toy, Barry and Cynthia ‘ Nin and Pop’ Akins Sr., Sandra Berry, David Weaver and Lynus Barr, and survive him.
Likewise, he bonded well with his great-grandmother, Shirley Fouse; uncles, Craig Akins, Bobby Knappenberger, Timothy Berry, Anthony Berry, Jake Berry, Charlie Toy, and Kevin Toy; aunts, Angela Berry and Joann Toy; and many extended cousins.
Our hearts are broken . This is one of my favorite pictures when you and Drake was little . You always had everything ready when I would bring Drake over for your mom to watch him . I walk in your say give me Baby Drake.Landon I will cherish all the memories with you. Watching you grown up to the amazing young man you became . We love you so much. Please keep Leighann Berry , Greg Berry , Lanna Marie , Hunter Akins Aunt cindy , uncle jum .all of the family . LANDON WAS A WONDERFUL , AMAZING YOUING MAN.
Visitation to honor and celebrate Landon’s life will occur on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at MANTINI FUNERAL HOME INC., 701 Sixth Ave., Ford City.
Family and friends are welcome to gather from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and again from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Additional visitation will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025, from 10 a.m. until the funeral service begins at 11 a.m., officiated by Pastor Lee Rupert.
After the service, Landon will rest at Fairview Cemetery in Spring Church. A wake will be hosted at the Burrell Township Firehall, allowing loved ones to come together and celebrate the joy and light Landon brought into their lives.
May his light shine on as a source of inspiration. Rest In Peace, Landon Avory Akins.
Additional Information
- The Union School District provided counselors, staff, and local clergy members to help those in need.
- Cambrie Priester was a sophomore at Union High School.
