The Erie community and fellow service members are mourning the tragic loss of U.S. Army Specialist Austin Golab, who passed away following a devastating chain-reaction crash involving multiple semi-trucks on Interstate 79 in Pennsylvania.
Golab, 22, of Erie, was pronounced dead at the scene after the multi-vehicle collision on I-79 South in Jackson Township, Mercer County. Mercer County Coroner John Libonati confirmed the death in a release issued Thursday, January 15. The crash occurred around 11:45 a.m. near mile marker 122, and Golab was pronounced dead at approximately 12:30 p.m., according to the coroner’s office.
Pennsylvania State Police said the crash involved three tractor-trailers. One semi-truck was stopped in the right lane due to traffic when it was struck from behind by a second tractor-trailer. After the initial impact, the second semi came to rest in the left lane, where it was then struck by a third tractor-trailer. Authorities said the first and second trucks sustained moderate damage, while the third semi suffered major damage to the front end and driver’s side. The driver of the third semi-truck was also pronounced dead at the scene.
Coroner Libonati identified Golab as one of the victims and said his cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head and chest. His death was ruled accidental. One passenger from the second tractor-trailer was transported to a hospital with injuries of unknown severity.
The crash shut down both directions of I-79 for several hours between the I-80 interchange and Exit 130 before the roadway reopened, officials said. Pennsylvania State Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Golab was a Cathedral Preparatory School Class of 2022 graduate and proudly served in the U.S. Army as a Specialist (SPC), according to his school and social media posts. As word of his passing spread, tributes poured in remembering him as a kind and uplifting presence.
In a heartfelt message, Juma Mmonga wrote that Golab was someone who “tried to uplift others even if he was having a bad day.”
“My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him,” Mmonga said.
As family, friends, and the community grieve this profound loss, many are honoring Golab’s service, character, and the positive impact he made in his short life. May his memory be a source of strength and comfort to all who mourn him.
