Salisbury Township, Pennsylvania (January 7, 2026) — A 65-year-old Paradise Township woman was killed Wednesday after a minivan struck the back of her horse and buggy in Lancaster County, according to authorities.
The Lancaster County Coroner identified the victim as Mary Ruth Stoltzfus, of South Kinzer Road in Paradise Township.
The crash occurred on the 4000 block of Strasburg Road in Salisbury Township.
Incident Details: According to the coroner’s office and Pennsylvania State Police, a minivan collided with the rear of Stoltzfus’s horse and buggy. The impact ejected Stoltzfus from the buggy.
Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene.
As of Friday morning, the coroner’s office had not yet determined the official cause and manner of death. An autopsy has been scheduled.
Authorities charged Danial Ranck Miller, 33, of Berks County, in connection with the crash. Police allege that Miller was driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol at the time of the collision. Miller is being held at Lancaster County Prison in lieu of $125,000 bail. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for February 17.
Investigation: Pennsylvania State Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Rear-end crashes involving horse-drawn buggies often center on visibility, lighting conditions, and driver attentiveness. In many areas of Lancaster County, buggies share roadways with motor vehicles, and state law requires motorists to exercise caution and allow sufficient following distance.
Investigators will likely review vehicle speed, braking evidence, roadway markings, and whether the buggy was adequately equipped with required reflective materials and lighting. However, in cases involving alleged impairment, toxicology results and officer observations often become central components of the investigation.
Legal Considerations: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can result in both criminal charges and significant civil liability, particularly when a fatality occurs. If prosecutors establish impairment and causation, the defendant could face serious felony penalties under Pennsylvania law.
In addition to the criminal case, the Stoltzfus family may have the right to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit to address funeral costs and the emotional and financial losses resulting from the crash.
Collisions between motor vehicles and horse-drawn buggies present unique safety challenges, particularly in regions where such transportation is common. Motorists are expected to remain alert, reduce speed, and anticipate slower-moving traffic in shared roadway environments.
I extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Mary Ruth during this difficult time.
Source: LancasterOnline