Seneca Valley Teacher Thanks Supporters After Car Crash into Connoquenessing Creek

Seneca Valley teacher Henry “Leo” Stefanacci is thanking his supporters after the car he was driving plunged into the Connoquenessing Creek March 4, leaving him in critical condition.

“I'm alive and well by the grace of God and the power of prayer!! I want to thank everyone and anyone for everything!!!” Stefanacci wrote in the comment section of a Cranberry Patch article updating readers on his condition.

A popular learning support teacher at Seneca Valley Middle School, Stefanacci was driving north on Halstead Boulevard in Zelienople when he lost control of the car at a bend in the road and skidded into the water.

His upside-down car was discovered submerged in the creek by four teenage volunteer firefighters who drove by and noticed fresh car tracks in the snow leading to the water. The teens, Zack Madaffari, 19, twins Josh and Nick Spiegel, 18 and Aimee Scholl, 18, quickly called 911

Stefanacci, a Zelienople resident and father of two, was flown by medical helicopter to the hospital after firefighters rescued him from his vehicle.

His wife, Kelly Stefanacci, on March 5 told Cranberry Patch that her husband was expected to make a full recovery. Although suffering from hypothermia, Stefanacci did not suffer damage to his heart or brain, his wife said.

A number of readers have since left messages of support for the Stefanacci family on the Cranberry Patch site. On Friday, Stefanacci responded to them. Here is his full comment.

“I'm alive and well by the grace of God and the power of prayer!! I want to thank everyone and anyone for everything!!! don't know where to start...but just know that your love and support has given my girls back their dad and I plan on seeing them live their dreams!!!! I LOVE YOU ALL.”

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