A 22-year-old National Guardsman died in a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 79 in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, on Thursday morning. The crash occurred during hazardous whiteout conditions.
Details of the Crash
Austin Golab, 22, was identified as the sole fatality in the incident. According to the Pennsylvania State Police, a semi-trailer had stopped in the right lane when it was struck from behind by another big rig. The second semi then came to rest in the left lane and was subsequently rear-ended by Golab’s car.
The two semi-trailers sustained moderate damage, while Golab’s vehicle suffered major damage to the front and driver’s side. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the second semi-trailer was transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries.
Golab’s Background and Service
Golab was returning to Slippery Rock University after spending time at his family home in Erie, Pennsylvania. Prior to enrolling at Slippery Rock, he completed one semester at Gannon University. He was studying cybersecurity.
According to his obituary, Golab was deeply committed to his service in the National Guard. His family stated, “Austin loved the National Guard and his platoon.” They also described him as “one of the nicest people, easy-going, easy to coach, and a good friend to all.”
The Mercer County Coroner’s Office determined that Golab’s cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head and chest, and ruled the death accidental. The interstate was closed for approximately four hours following the crash.
Regional Weather Conditions
This incident occurred amidst a series of winter storms that impacted the East Coast over the weekend. The region is now bracing for an anticipated arctic blast this week.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the crash?
The crash was caused by a series of rear-end collisions during whiteout conditions on Interstate 79 in Mercer County, Pennsylvania.
Where was Austin Golab studying?
Austin Golab was studying cybersecurity at Slippery Rock University.
What was Golab’s military service?
Golab served with the National Guard’s Kenya 1st Platoon Weapons Squad, Blacksheep Company, as a weapons team lead. He had recently returned from a deployment to Kenya.
As communities grapple with severe winter weather, what measures can drivers take to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road?
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