Elderly Centre County Woman Dies in Freak Accident

An elderly woman died tragically yesterday, after police say she was accidently run-over by her own vehicle. 



Just after 9:00 a.m. Thursday morning in Pleasant Gap, police say 85-year-old Betty Buchanan got out of her car while it was still in gear. Buchanan exited her car while it was in reverse, and the car started going in circles.  Buchanan tried to stop the car, but was run-over in the process.  She died at the scene.



Buchanan made a U-turn before parking in front of her friend’s house, investigators say.  She pulled up too far, however, and put the car in reverse.  When she got out, she did not put the gear-shift back in the park position. 



Buchanan’s friend of more than 60 years said she lived an active lifestyle.  Buchanan helped with many activities and events at Saint Mark’s Lutheran Church.  She was also a Grange member.