HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP, Pa. -- A Murrysville woman was killed when the car in which she and her family were riding plunged off a Route 66 overpass, crashing down onto Route 130 in Hempfield Township late Tuesday.

The cause of the wreck that killed 41-year-old Jeannine Palandro is still unknown, but state police said they believe speed was a factor.

Police said the car was headed south on Amos K. Hutchinson Bypass (Toll 66) around 10:30 p.m. when it lost control and left the road. It went up an embankment and traveled about 500 feet before landing on Route 130, below the road they were on.

Palandro's husband, Mark, and their two children were flown to Pittsburgh hospitals by helicopter.

"I hope the little ones and the husband pull through this," neighbor Dave Bosetti said.

Police said the family was on a shopping trip when the crash happened, and Mark Palandro was driving.

Mark Palandro remains at UPMC Presbyterian in critical condition. Nick Palandro, 11, remains in critical but stable condition and Tyler Palandro, 7, remains in fair condition.

Jeannine Palandro's body was found on Route 130, not far from the vehicle. Police said it appears she was ejected because she was not wearing a seat belt. Autopsy results are not available yet.

Court papers indicate the couple recently separated. Neighbors said the husband -- a former police officer in Verona and Edgewood -- took custody of the children.

"I just hope Mark and the two boys pull together and finish their lives in a better way," neighbor Eileen Bosetti said.

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