Jane and Ian McNeill at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve Spring Gala
Ian McNeill, 67, and Jane McNeill, 66, of Doylestown, were killed Tuesday night when a southbound Nissan XTerra crossed two lanes of Route 202 about one mile south of Route 32 and struck their northbound 2007 Volvo station wagon head-on.
The male driver of the XTerra that went out of control remains listed in critical condition at St. Mary Medical Center in Langhorne, where he was flown following the collision. His name has not yet been released.
The McNeills were pronounced deceased at the accident scene.
The crash occurred a little after 7 p.m., and officers arriving on the scene found the three victims trapped in their vehicles between the Lower York Road spur and the Delaware River bridge toll plaza, confirmed Solebury Township Police Corporal Jonathan Koretzky. Both vehicles suffered significant damage.
Solebury Township Police were assisted by members of the Pennsylvania State Police, Dublin Police, New Hope Eagle Fire Company, Lambertville Fire Department, Midway Fire Company, Central Bucks EMS, and Lambertville-New Hope Ambulance.
The McNeills were active members of Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, who issued a statement honoring the couple on Dec. 10:
“The entire Preserve family mourns the loss of Jane and Ian McNeill who were killed on December 8 in a tragic car accident.
“Jane and Ian were both active volunteers — giving generously of their time and energy to the community they loved. Jane was deeply involved at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve as a member of the Spring Wildflower Gala Committee. She served as Sponsorship Chair, Auction Chair, and the overall Chair during the Gala’s 4th year.
“Ian was a long-time Trustee of the Preserve. In this role he served as Treasurer, was a key member of the Marketing, Property, Planning and Finance Committees, and was the current Chair of the Native Plant Sale Committee. Most recently, Ian focused his volunteer efforts in the Preserve’s Native Plant Nursery helping to construct a new greenhouse and draft a sales plan as part of his vision to keep the Preserve growing and energetic. It is difficult to overstate the impact these two amazing volunteers had on the direction and daily operation of the Preserve.
“In addition to their tireless work on behalf of the Preserve they both volunteered for many other non-profit organizations including Trinity Episcopal Church in Solebury Township, the Phillips Mill Community Association Art Exhibition, and the Bucks County Audubon Society at Honey Hollow.
“Jane and Ian both embodied the true spirit of volunteerism – giving selflessly to make the world a better place. Our thoughts and prayers are with their family during this heartbreakingly difficult time.”
The Primrose Creek Watershed Association also issued a statement about the loss of the McNeills:
“We want to express our sorrow at the passing of Jane McNeill and her husband Ian McNeill. Jane was a Primrose Creek Watershed Association board director and communications editor. Both Jane and Ian were enthusiastic and generous community volunteers to a variety of organizations in the New Hope/Solebury area.
“They will be missed deeply.”
Hi Charlie, I heard that the River Road accident was not fatal. I’d like to know how many car accidents have happened from Odette’s to the park. Seems to me that the lack of a friendly shoulder on the right, coming from New Hope, has to be a factor. The road needs to be widened or speed bumps ought to be installed.
I’d like to know exactly where this accident occurred using local reference points! The article gives us two descriptions, and yet I still don’t know! Was it say, between the Eagle Fire Co and Pat Lizsey Park? Or between North Point and the Eagle Fire Co on 202? And what about the accident an hour later on River Road between The Water Works and Washington Crossing Park in Solebury? I heard that 3 people died on that day in car accidents. IF this is true, what is going on with the roads in New Hope and Solebury????
Good questions. The McNeill accident took place on 202 near the new development…the cars actually collided on 202, and I think careened onto a grassy area between the spur (Old York Road) and 202. The only location I received on the River Road accident that happened about a half hour later was “32 near Aquetong.” Have not heard of a fatality on that one, fortunately.
I believe the accident occurred on the big curve (on 202), halfway between the toll bridge and the new Rabbit Run townhouse development project.