Jackson Township, Pennsylvania – A 22-year-old man was killed Thursday morning after his vehicle became involved in a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 79 amid dangerous whiteout weather conditions, Pennsylvania State Police confirmed. The incident occurred as winter storms continued to impact large portions of the Northeast, according to reporting by ABC News.
Crash Happened During Severe Winter Weather
The crash occurred around 11:45 a.m. on January 15 on Interstate 79 southbound in Jackson Township. Pennsylvania State Police said snow-covered roads and near-zero visibility played a role in the chain-reaction collision.
According to the police report, a semi-trailer was stopped in the right lane when another semi-truck struck it from behind. The second semi then came to rest in the left lane, where a third vehicle collided with its rear, sustaining major damage to the front and driver’s side.
Victim Identified as Austin Golab
The Mercer County Coroner’s Office identified the driver of the third vehicle as Austin Golab, 22, of Erie, Pennsylvania. Authorities confirmed Golab was pronounced dead at the scene.
The coroner said his cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head and chest, and the death was ruled accidental. One additional person was transported to a local hospital with injuries that have not been disclosed.
Golab Was Returning to School After Military Deployment
According to his obituary, Golab had recently returned to Pennsylvania after being deployed to Kenya with the National Guard, where he served as a weapons team lead with the 1st Platoon Weapons Squad, Blacksheep Company.
After returning to the United States, he enrolled at Slippery Rock University, pursuing a degree in cybersecurity. Officials said he was on his way to school at the time of the fatal crash.
Remembered for His Character and Community Impact
Family members described Golab as kind, disciplined, and deeply respected by those who knew him.
“Austin loved going to the gym, bicycling and going out with friends,” his obituary states. “Anyone that knew Austin would say he was one of the nicest people, easy-going, easy to coach, and a good friend to all.”
He is survived by his parents, sister, paternal grandparents, extended family members, and a dog named Cooper. His funeral service is scheduled for Friday, January 23.
Winter Storms Continue to Create Dangerous Road Conditions
The crash forced the closure of Interstate 79 for approximately four hours. State police confirmed the incident occurred during whiteout conditions caused by ongoing winter storms affecting the Great Lakes and East Coast.
Meteorologists say two major storm systems are moving through the region, with an arctic blast expected to follow. The polar vortex is forecast to remain active across the U.S. for the next 10 to 14 days, bringing continued cold and snow.
Earlier this month, at least six people were killed during Winter Storm Blair, which impacted more than a dozen states and produced snowfall totals exceeding one foot in some areas.
Officials Urge Drivers to Use Extreme Caution
The National Weather Service in Pittsburgh warned drivers about the risks of traveling during snow squalls and whiteout conditions.
“It only takes a little snow to create dangerous conditions on the interstate,” the agency said in a post on X. “Please slow down and use extreme caution when traveling through passing snow bands.”
Authorities continue to remind motorists to avoid unnecessary travel during severe winter weather and to reduce speed when visibility is limited.
