Funeral for Popular Teen Struck by Car

A local college athlete's family laid him to rest Saturday morning.

Dante Desimone was struck an killed on January 12 as he walked with friends along the 500 block of W Baltimore Pike in Clifton Heights, Pa.

A public viewing was held for Desimone Friday night from 5 to 9. Another viewing was held today from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. at D'Anjolell Memorial Home on West Chester Pike in Broomall, Pa. A funeral mass then took place at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Cross Church in Springfield, Pa. followed by a burial at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery on Sproul Road in Springfield, Pa.

An autopsy by the Delaware County Medical Examiner's Office determined that the 18-year-old died from blunt force trauma to his head. Desimone's death was ruled accidental.

The Upper Darby High School grad and two friends were walking on the sidewalk when the car went onto the sidewalk after being struck by another car.

Following the wreck, Desimone was rushed to Mercy-Fitzgerald Hospital where Desimone died. His friend Tim Robison, who also has ties to Upper Darby High, was left in serious condition at the Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania. Family members say a third friend with the teens wasn't hurt.

The drivers of both cars stopped following the crash and were cooperating with the investigation. DUI wasn't suspected.

Desimone was a graduate of Upper Darby High School where he played lacrosse and hockey and began attending nearby Neumann University this past fall studying sports entertainment and playing lacrosse.

Ralph Desimone told NBC10 that his family was devastated by his son's death. He said his son overcame a bone disorder that required surgeries to become a college athlete.

The Desimones took part in a candlelight vigil last Monday near the scene of the deadly crash.

"He was a good boy," said his mother while in tears. "He didn't deserve this."

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