Crash Kills CB West Track Coach

A Central Bucks West track coach has been identified as the victim of a fatal car crash in Hilltown, Pa., on Wednesday.

James Cogan III, 33, of Telford, died early Wednesday morning in a fiery car crash. The accident occurred on the 700 block of East Reliance Road at 12:11 a.m.

Cogan, who was an assistant coach of boys and girls winter and spring track at Central Bucks West, was driving a 2010 Toyota Camry and lost control as he rounded a curve in the roadway, Hilltown police said.

His car then struck a guardrail. After hitting the rail, the Toyota struck a bridge and left the roadway. It fell 15 feet into a creek, according to police.

The vehicle caught fire after the fuel tank ruptured and became engulfed in flames.

Cogan was pronounced dead at the scene by Bucks County Deputy Coroner Jeffrey Naugle. Police were assisted at the scene by the Telford Fire Company.

Cogan left behind a wife and daughter.

CB West boys winter track coach Greg Wetzel said in a phone interview Wednesday night Cogan was a positive person who was skilled at teaching the sport.

"Great to have around the kids," he said. "A great person to have in the program... appreciated the time we got to spend with him. He was a great guy."

Wetzel said Cogan was integral to the stellar performance of Matt McMurdo — a 2009 West graduate — at May's state track and field championships. McMurdo took fourth in the javelin, ninth in the shot put and 15th in the discus.

"That's a testament to Jim," Wetzel said.

Material from the Lansdale Reporter