L. MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. – The Lehigh County Coroner’s Office has identified the 18-year-old man who died after his car went into a ditch in Lower Macungie Township, Lehigh County Thursday morning.

Tealson L. Herrlin, of Upper Milford Township, was pronounced dead at a local hospital shortly after 6 a.m. Thursday, according to a news release from the coroner’s office.

East Penn School District officials say that Herrlin was a senior at Emmaus High School. 

The coroner’s office said his cause of death was multiple blunt force trauma. His manner of death was ruled an accident.

Troopers were sent to I-78 westbound shortly after 5 a.m. in Lower Macungie Township for the report of a vehicle into a ditch, Pennsylvania State Police said in a news release.

After investigating, state police said Herrlin was driving westbound when the car when the car hit a traffic sign and went into a ditch off the right side of the highway.

Troopers are asking anyone who may observed the vehicle prior to the crash, or have video of the vehicle prior to the crash, is asked to contact the Pennsylvania State Police Fogelsville Station at (610) 395-1438 and reference Incident Number PA2026-311164.

The East Penn School District issued the following statement to families: 

Message of Sympathy

Dear East Penn Families,

The East Penn community suffered a tragic loss with the death of Emmaus High School senior Tealson Herrlin in a car accident early yesterday morning. Our heartfelt condolences are with Tealson’s family and friends during this difficult time.

The death of a student is always a sad and troubling event that can often have a profound effect on friends, classmates, and staff. Counselors and psychologists will be available throughout the district to provide support to students and staff during this difficult time. We are here to support all of our East Penn families during this time of grief. If you are aware of anyone in need of help, please contact your school counselor or building administrator.

Sincerely,

Kristen Campbell

Superintendent, East Penn School District