Butler Cross Country Runner Dies After Hit-And-Run Crash

* Butler Area High School.

Photo Credit: Butler Area School District

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By John Davern and Ashley Tysiac


A Butler Area High School sophomore and member of the school's boys cross country team died following a hit-and-run crash last Thursday.

Aiden Lutz, 15, was riding his electric bicycle last Thursday afternoon in Butler Township when he was hit by a car. 

Lutz died four days later on Sunday from injuries sustained from the crash.

Witnesses reported seeing a white sedan driving at a high speed crash into Lutz on his bicycle at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday in Butler Township, according to local news reports.

Lutz was taken to Allegheny Central Hospital where he died on Sunday, according to Butler Area School District Superintendent Brian White.

Police arrested 38-year-old Joshua Ruiz on Sunday and accused of hitting Lutz on his bicycle and fleeing the scene of the crash, according to information released by the Butler Township Police Department on their Facebook page. Local news reports say Ruiz faces numerous charges, including aggravated assault by a vehicle.

Ruiz was placed in Butler County prison.

One day later, police also arrested and charged Nicole Kelly for interfering with the apprehension of Joshua Ruiz, who had been on the run and evading police before he was found and arrested on Sunday.

Lutz was an active member of the Butler cross country team, running in four meets this cross country season. Just a few days prior to the accident, Lutz set a new 5k PR at the JV XC Twilight Showcase held in Harmony.

According to local news reports, Lutz was also a Boy Scout and played soccer.

A GoFundMe has been set up to support the Lutz family and has already raised over $40,000 as of Wednesday morning.