The driver of a pickup truck that struck and killed Lansdale pedestrian Diane Kopena in April in Lansdale’s West Ward neighborhood will not face charges in her death.
Lansdale Police announced this month that, following a comprehensive, joint investigation with the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, the fatal pedestrian crash that occurred April 24 at Columbia and Richardson avenues resulted in summary traffic citations for the driver.
According to a Lansdale Police incident report and Montgomery County Magisterial District Court documents, Matthew P. Salmon, 37, of Columbia Avenue, Lansdale, was charged via summons June 18 with three traffic violations: Improper left turn, failure to yield to the right-of-way of a pedestrian, and turning without signaling.
“The Lansdale Police Department extends our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of 71-year-old Diane Kopena, who tragically lost her life in this incident,” Lansdale Police said in a statement on Crimewatch. “We recognize the profound grief that accompanies such a sudden and devastating loss, and our thoughts remain with those mourning during this incredibly difficult time.”
Kopena was hit at an intersection void of designated crosswalks.
She suffered severe head injuries, including skull fractures, facial damage, and bleeding on the brain, in the accident, was airlifted by JeffStat from Jefferson Lansdale Hospital, and died at Jefferson Abington Hospital’s ICU a week later on May 1.
According to Montgomery County emergency dispatch, Kopena was bleeding and unconscious following the accident around 4:28 p.m. Police performed CPR and then VMSC Emergency Medical Services personnel took over. She was transported with potentially life-threatening injuries at 4:40 p.m., arriving four minutes later, and then was airlifted to Jefferson Abington shortly after 5 p.m.
Police said Salmon, driving a white 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck, struck Kopena, as he made a left turn onto Richardson Avenue from eastbound Columbia Avenue.
Kopena was walking west on Columbia Avenue, crossing South Richardson.
Police said Salmon did not see Kopena while making the turn.
“There was no evidence of reckless behavior by the driver and speed was not a factor in the crash. The driver remained on scene, rendered aid and requested assistance,” police said.
By Tony Di Domizio Her husband of nearly 20 years, George Kopena, told North Penn Now, and posted on Facebook, that he wants justice for his wife’s death.
“Everyone is saying it's a problem, but no one will use the tools that exist, like charges be brought against the driver responsible for her death,” Kopena said. “My wife is a human being and my primary caretaker. The loss of her life is also the loss of my life. She deserves justice. I need justice.”
Born March 14, 1954 in Trenton, NJ, Kopena was the daughter of Delores (Pullen) Thorpe Clark, of Hamilton Square, NJ, and the late Norman R. Thorpe.
According to her obituary, she was a dedicated member of The Renew Community in Lansdale and worked as a special education instructor for many years.
Earlier in life, she served as a foster parent.
She is survived by her brothers, Brian D. Thorpe (Melissa) of Havana, FL, and Jeffery S. Thorpe (Kathy) of Turnersville, NJ, and their children, Jason and Kelly Thorpe.
Kopena was interred at Titusville (NJ) Methodist Church Cemetery, according to her obituary.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Diane’s memory to Manna on Main Street, 606 E. Main Street, Lansdale, PA 19446.
Editor's note: To avoid confusion, the headline and subhead were amended to reflect that the driver was charged in the crash with summary traffic violations.
