At a Glance
- A 22-year-old National Guard soldier died in a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 79 in Pennsylvania during whiteout conditions
- Austin Golab was on his way to Slippery Rock University for cybersecurity classes when the fatal crash occurred
- The crash involved three vehicles, including two semi-trucks, and closed the highway for four hours
- Why it matters: The tragedy highlights the dangers of winter driving conditions that have already claimed multiple lives across the region this month
A 22-year-old National Guard soldier died Thursday morning in a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 79 in Jackson Township, Pennsylvania, as severe winter weather created hazardous driving conditions across the region.
According to the Pennsylvania State Police, the crash occurred around 11:45 a.m. on January 15 during whiteout conditions on snow-covered roads. The incident involved a chain reaction collision between three vehicles, including two semi-trucks.
The Crash Sequence
Police reported that the initial collision occurred when a semi-trailer stopped in the right lane was struck from behind by a second semi-truck. The impact caused the second semi to come to rest in the left lane, where it was subsequently hit by a third vehicle driven by Austin Golab of Erie.
The Mercer County Coroner’s Office confirmed that Golab’s vehicle sustained major damage to the front and driver’s side during the collision. He was pronounced dead at the scene from blunt force trauma to the head and chest. His death was ruled accidental.
One other person was transported to a local hospital with unknown injuries, according to police reports.
A Life of Service and Promise
Golab had recently returned to Pennsylvania after serving in the National Guard, where he was deployed to Kenya with the 1st Platoon Weapons Squad. He served as the weapons team lead for Blacksheep Company during his deployment.
Following his military service, Golab enrolled at Slippery Rock University to pursue a degree in cybersecurity. He was traveling to campus for classes when the fatal crash occurred.
“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, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, as well as “a very special dog named Cooper.” His funeral is scheduled for Friday, January 23.
Dangerous Winter Conditions
The crash occurred during a period of severe winter weather that has impacted much of the Great Lakes and East Coast regions. The deadly incident forced the closure of Interstate 79 for approximately four hours while emergency crews responded to the scene.
According to weather reports, the region has been experiencing multiple winter storms since early January. Winter Storm Blair, which struck earlier this month, killed at least six people as it brought dangerous snow and ice conditions across the mainland United States.
The National Weather Service in Pittsburgh warned drivers about the hazardous conditions, posting on social media: “It only takes a little snow to create dangerous conditions on the interstate. Please, slow down and use extreme caution when traveling through passing snow bands.”
Ongoing Weather Threat
Weather forecasters predict that the polar vortex will remain active across the United States for the next 10 to 14 days, ensuring that January will end on a cold note. Multiple winter storms are expected to continue affecting the region, with two additional systems predicted to move through the East Coast over the weekend following the crash.
The first round of snow showers moved through the area early Saturday morning, affecting regions from the central Appalachian Mountains through Pennsylvania and into New England. A second round of precipitation was expected to arrive later Saturday morning.
Temperatures across the affected regions are expected to plummet, with cold conditions potentially reaching as far south as Florida. Some areas have already received more than a foot of snow from the recent storms.
Investigation Continues
The Pennsylvania State Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. The whiteout conditions at the time of the incident created extremely limited visibility for drivers on the interstate, contributing to the dangerous driving environment.
The crash serves as a somber reminder of the risks associated with winter driving, particularly during severe weather events. Authorities continue to urge motorists to exercise extreme caution when traveling during winter storms and to avoid unnecessary travel when hazardous conditions are present.
This tragedy marks another life lost to the severe winter weather that has gripped much of the nation since the beginning of January, as communities across multiple states continue to grapple with the impacts of extreme cold, heavy snowfall, and dangerous travel conditions.
