David Snyder, 69, and Bessie Zuna, 48, Killed in Steelton Borough Memorial Day Motorcycle Crash — Perry County Community Mourns Loss of Devoted Rider and His Beloved Companion in Tragic Highway Collision

Steelton Borough, Pennsylvania — On Monday, May 27, 2024, as families across the United States gathered to honor the sacrifices of fallen servicemen and women on Memorial Day, tragedy struck the heart of Perry County. A devastating motorcycle crash claimed the lives of two of its residents: David Snyder, age 69, and Bessie Zuna, age 48.

The fatal accident occurred just after 3:20 p.m. on South Front Street, a main thoroughfare in Steelton Borough, Dauphin County. The couple, known for their love of open roads and shared rides through Pennsylvania’s scenic landscapes, were pronounced dead at the scene despite wearing helmets and adhering to safety regulations.

The sudden loss has left a quiet but deep wound in the communities of Penn Township, where the couple resided, and Steelton, where the crash occurred. Friends, family, and neighbors remember Snyder and Zuna not only as passionate motorcyclists, but as kind-hearted souls who touched the lives of many through simple, consistent acts of compassion.

The Crash: What We Know So Far

According to a statement from the Dauphin County Coroner’s Office, both Snyder and Zuna died from blunt force trauma injuries sustained during the crash. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but despite efforts from paramedics and fire officials, both individuals were declared deceased at the scene.

The incident occurred along South Front Street, not far from the borough’s main business district and close to the banks of the Susquehanna River. Witnesses nearby reported hearing a loud collision and seeing the motorcycle lying crumpled against the pavement. The full cause of the accident remains under active investigation by the Steelton Borough Police Department, in cooperation with Pennsylvania State Police and traffic reconstruction specialists.

As of now, authorities have not confirmed whether another vehicle was directly involved or if the motorcycle lost control due to road conditions or mechanical failure. Investigators are examining surveillance footage from nearby buildings and awaiting toxicology reports as standard procedure, although there is no evidence at this time to suggest impairment or foul play.

The Victims: Remembering David Snyder and Bessie Zuna

David Snyder: A Quiet Soul with a Passion for the Open Road

David Snyder, 69, was a lifelong resident of Penn Township, a rural area nestled in Perry County known for its rolling hills, family farms, and close-knit community. A retired mechanic and Vietnam-era veteran, Snyder was known for his humble, even-tempered nature and a deep-seated passion for motorcycles that dated back to his youth.

Friends describe him as someone who found peace in the solitude of a winding country road. “David loved the sound of a bike engine more than most people love music,” said longtime friend Thomas Keller, who often rode with Snyder on weekend trips across central Pennsylvania. “He had this quiet strength, you know? Never bragged, never complained. Just rode and lived.”

Snyder was also active in the local American Legion chapter, often volunteering his time for events supporting veterans and their families. Although he was never one to seek the spotlight, he was a dedicated participant in annual Memorial Day rides honoring fellow servicemen and women.

He is survived by his daughter, Megan Snyder, two grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. According to family, David had been planning a summer trip to the Pocono Mountains—a sort of “bucket list ride”—with Zuna later this year.

Bessie Zuna: A Loving Companion, Devoted Mother, and Free Spirit

At 48, Bessie Zuna was known in her circle for her vibrant personality, contagious laughter, and deep affection for the people she loved. Originally from the greater Harrisburg area, she had moved to Perry County several years ago and quickly became a cherished part of the community.

“She could walk into a room and light it up,” said her friend and coworker Linda Rodriguez, who worked with Zuna at a local family diner. “Bessie was always talking about riding with Dave. They were like two puzzle pieces that just fit.”

Zuna had two adult children from a previous marriage and had recently become a grandmother for the first time. Despite her busy work schedule, she made time for Sunday dinners, babysitting, and volunteering at local events. Friends say she had taken a particular interest in motorcycle safety advocacy in recent years and frequently encouraged younger riders to take safety courses.

“She didn’t just love motorcycles for the thrill,” Rodriguez added. “She loved the freedom, the sense of exploration—and sharing it with someone she trusted like David made it all the more special.”

A Shared Passion and a Devastating Loss

Though they had only been together for a few years, Snyder and Zuna had formed a bond that many describe as profoundly supportive and mutually uplifting. They shared not only a home in Penn Township but also a lifestyle centered around simplicity, connection, and the open road.

Their motorcycle—meticulously maintained and customized by Snyder himself—was more than just a vehicle. It was a symbol of their shared journey, both literal and emotional.

“It was a love built on trust,” said Keller. “You don’t get on the back of a bike with just anyone. You have to trust that person with your life. And Bessie trusted Dave.”

That trust, and their evident devotion to one another, makes the loss all the more heartbreaking. A couple known for riding together through the green countryside of Perry County was taken together on a day meant for remembrance—turning this year’s Memorial Day into a personal day of grief for everyone who knew them.

Road Safety and the Reality for Motorcyclists

This accident has reignited concerns about motorcycle safety, especially during holiday weekends when roads are often more congested. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, motorcycle-related fatalities spike during the warmer months, with May and June often being the most dangerous.

In 2023 alone, Pennsylvania recorded over 210 motorcycle-related deaths, a number that continues to rise despite awareness campaigns. While Snyder and Zuna were both wearing DOT-compliant helmets and following traffic laws, experts say that visibility, road hazards, and inattentive drivers continue to pose major risks for motorcyclists.

“It doesn’t matter how skilled or cautious the rider is,” said Officer Rachel Drummond, a traffic safety coordinator. “Motorcycles are simply more vulnerable. Everyone on the road needs to play a part in ensuring safety.”

Community Mourning and Tributes

In the days following the crash, a makeshift memorial began to form at the site on South Front Street where the accident occurred. Flowers, handwritten notes, a miniature motorcycle sculpture, and a flag were left by passersby and loved ones alike. Among the messages: “Ride in peace, David & Bessie,” and “Taken too soon, together always.”

A joint memorial service is being planned by the families and will be held later this week at the New Bloomfield Community Center. Local motorcycle groups, veterans’ organizations, and friends from across the region are expected to attend in tribute.

In a written statement, David’s daughter, Megan Snyder, said:

“My father lived quietly, loved deeply, and left this world doing what he loved with someone he loved. That doesn’t make it easier, but it gives us a little peace. We will miss them both beyond words.”

Final Reflections

The story of David Snyder and Bessie Zuna is one marked by freedom, love, and tragic loss. They were not celebrities or high-profile figures. They were, in many ways, ordinary people living extraordinary lives in their own quiet ways—bound together by shared passions, mutual respect, and an adventurous spirit.

Their deaths remind us of the fragility of life and the importance of savoring every ride, every road, and every person we hold dear.

As the engines fall silent and the roads stretch on, those who knew them will carry their memory forward—with every turn of the throttle and every mile traveled in their honor.