Weeks from retirement, Butler Eagle employee killed in early Thursday crash
A Butler Eagle employee was killed in a vehicle crash on his way home from work Thursday morning, May 4, 2023, on Route 422, according to state police.
James Barge, 65, of New Castle, suffered fatal injuries from the crash, which occurred around 1:15 a.m. in Franklin Township at the intersection of Route 422 and Unionville Road, near the Big Butler Fairgrounds.
Tammy Schuey, general manager of the Eagle, said Barge, a pressman, was less than two weeks from retirement and had been looking forward to spending time with his wife, Lisa, as well as their children and grandchildren. He recently had returned from a Myrtle Beach, S.C., vacation with his wife that was a gift from his children.
“We are deeply saddened and in shock at the loss ... and recognize the impact this will have on our work community,” she said. “(Barge) was not only our co-worker, he was our dear friend ... He will be sadly missed by all of us at the Butler Eagle.”
Police said Barge was driving west on Route 422 in a Toyota Camry, and Kassandra M. Clyde, 24, of Fombell, was driving east in her Honda CR-V.
The crash report showed Clyde’s vehicle crossed into Barge’s lane of travel, over solid yellow lines and a turning lane, before striking his vehicle.
Butler Ambulance Service took Clyde to Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh to be treated for serious injuries.
The crash is under investigation. Documents show police are investigating if Clyde was impaired.
Barge was employed by the Eagle for nearly 10 years, and has been a pressman his entire career, working at the New Castle News, the Youngstown Vindicator and the Wall Street Journal.
His supervisor, Joel Christy, described Barge as one of the most dedicated workers, always willing to do whatever it takes.
“He had strong beliefs and morals and would never pass judgment, always offered a listening ear,” Christy said.
