A 44-year-old Berks County man was killed when the 1986 Ford 250 pickup he was driving struck a tree 12:07 a.m. Dec. 24 along Route 222 at Newtown Road, Upper Macungie Township.

Lehigh County Coroner Scott Grim said William R. Pillus, Jr., 325 N. Brobst St., Shillington, Berks County, was pronounced dead by Lehigh County Deputy Coroner Craig Hanzl at 12:56 a.m. Christmas Eve at the scene.

Grim said the cause of his death was attributed to multiple blunt force injuries due to a motor vehicle accident.

He ruled the manner of Pillus’ death an accident.

According to Upper Macungie Township police, Pillus was driving eastbound on Route 222 when his truck crossed the intersection of Newtown Road and struck a tree on the opposite northeast corner.

Police officers found Pillus deceased.

Roadway evidence indicted Pillus did not make any evasive maneuvers such as braking or steering prior to striking the tree, police say.

Police say Pillus’ front seat passenger Darlene F. Gordon, 50, and a 15-year-old male rear passenger, both of Shillington, were injured.

They transported by ambulance to Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township.

Neither Pillus nor his passengers were wearing seat belts, police say.

The pickup had severe damage to the left front bumper area and required towing.

Upper Macungie fire station 25 and 56 and Cetronia Ambulance Corps assisted at the scene.

This crash is still under investigation.

Anyone who may have witnessed this crash is asked to contact officers Michael Sinko or Robert Djevharian at 484-661-5911.