Central Berks Regional Police Officer Kristen M. Yeager, 42, died after the patrol vehicle she was driving left the roadway and struck a tree in Earl Township on Friday, May 29, according to Pennsylvania State Police and the Berks County Coroner’s Office. She was responding to assist a neighboring police department when the crash happened.

Investigators said Yeager’s cruiser left West Philadelphia Avenue near Manatawny Road, crossed a grass shoulder, entered a ditch, and struck a tree on the driver’s side. Yeager was ejected from the vehicle and transported to Reading Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 8:42 p.m., according to the coroner.

An autopsy was performed Monday, June 1, by Dr. Neil Hoffman at Reading Hospital. Berks County Coroner Matthew J. Stitzel said the cause of death was determined to be multiple blunt force injuries. The manner of death remains pending as Pennsylvania State Police and the Coroner’s Office continue their joint investigation.

Central Berks Police announced her death the following day.

“Officer Yeager served our community with courage, compassion, and unwavering dedication,” the department said. “She answered the call to protect and serve each day, placing the safety of others above her own. Her commitment to her badge, her fellow officers, and the citizens she served will never be forgotten.”

Throughout her career, Yeager served with the Boyertown Police Department, Eastern Berks Regional Police Department, and Central Berks Regional Police Department. She also worked as a School Resource Officer at Boyertown Area Senior High School.

Boyertown Area Senior High School remembered Yeager’s service as a school resource officer during the 2019-20 school year and extended condolences to her family and friends following her death.

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Shippensburg University Athletics also mourned the loss of its former field hockey standout. The university noted Yeager was a starting defender and senior leader on the 2005 Raiders team that captured the program’s first Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference championship.