Austin Golab dies in fatal Mercer County, Pennsylvania car crash

Austin Golab dies in fatal Mercer County, Pennsylvania car crash
Fatal Mercer County, Pennsylvania car crash death of Austin Golab – Obituary

Austin Golab, a 22-year-old man from Erie, Pennsylvania, was killed in a serious multi-vehicle collision involving tractor-trailers along Interstate 79 in Mercer County. Authorities confirmed his identity following the deadly crash, which occurred during hazardous winter weather conditions.

According to the Mercer County Coroner’s Office, the crash happened in the southbound lanes of I-79 in Jackson Township near the Route 62 exit on January 15. Coroner John Libonati said Golab was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after emergency crews arrived. His death was later ruled accidental and attributed to blunt-force injuries sustained in the collision.

Pennsylvania State Police reported that the roadway was covered in snow and visibility was severely reduced due to whiteout conditions at the time of the crash. Investigators said a tractor-trailer had come to a stop in the right lane because traffic ahead was backed up. A second tractor-trailer then struck the rear of the stopped truck.

Golab, who was driving a passenger vehicle, subsequently collided with the second tractor-trailer, police said. A passenger traveling in one of the tractor-trailers was transported to a hospital for treatment, though the extent of their injuries was not disclosed. State police did not release the names of other individuals involved.

The crash was reported shortly before noon, and the resulting investigation and weather-related hazards forced the closure of multiple sections of Interstate 79 for several hours. PennDOT said both northbound and southbound lanes in parts of Mercer County were shut down, along with additional closures in Erie County.

State police confirmed that the southbound lanes of I-79 in Mercer County reopened later that afternoon. The incident remains under investigation as officials continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the crash.