Knoch Middle School student, 12, died in crash with grandfather in Butler County

A 12-year-old boy who died in a crash Friday night in Butler County was a student at Knoch Middle School.

Zane D. Rupert was killed in the crash in Winfield Township along with his grandfather, David A. Faulx, 65, of Cabot.

The crash happened shortly before 10 p.m. Friday on Winfield Road. State police said Faulx and Rupert were pronounced dead at the scene.

According to state police, Faulx was driving a Jeep Wrangler north on Winfield Road when he approached a sharp right curve.

Police said Faulx went into the curve too fast, causing his Jeep to go into the oncoming lane and hit a southbound Peterbilt truck head-on. The Jeep landed upside down on the side of the road.

The driver of the Peterbilt, whom police identified as Hunter T. Cathcart, 29, of Clarion, had minor injuries.

Fox Funeral Home in Saxonburg is handling arrangements for Faulx and Rupert.

According to his obituary, Faulx was born in Natrona Heights. He worked as a tool and die maker for Siemens. Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Cheryl Faulx, and two daughters.

According to Zane’s obituary, he was the son of Josh Rupert and Lindsay (Faulx) Bandi. He was in seventh grade at Knoch Middle School and a member of the Saxonburg Spartans youth football league.

Rupert’s teammates and everyone associated with the Spartans were taking the news of Rupert’s death hard, the group’s president, David Drane, said.

“He was a great kid and a hard worker and good teammate and obviously will be very missed by the team,” Drane said.

Rupert’s aunt, Ashley Mazur-Pettigrew, launched a Gofundme campaign to help cover funeral costs and support his parents. As of late Sunday afternoon, donations were approaching $7,500, exceeding a $5,000 goal. More than 125 donations had been made to the fund.

Visitation for Faulx and Rupert will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Fox Funeral Home, 410 W. Main St., Saxonburg.

Their funerals will be private.