A tragic multi-vehicle crash in Pennsylvania during whiteout conditions on Thursday morning resulted in the death of a 22-year-old National Guard soldier returning to college.
Austin Golub was the sole victim of this unfortunate three-vehicle incident.
The Pennsylvania State Police reported that a semitrailer was stationary in the right lane of Interstate 79 south in Mercer County when another big rig collided with it from behind. The rear part of the first semitrailer ended up in the left lane, where Golub’s vehicle subsequently struck it.
Damage was significant, with two semis suffering moderate injuries, while Golub’s car sustained major damage to the front and driver’s side. Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene, his identity confirmed afterward.
The Mercer County Coroner’s Office determined that the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head and chest from the crash, which was classified as an accident.
The driver of the second semitrailer was hospitalized for unspecified injuries, according to police.
Golub was on his way back to Slippery Rock University after visiting his parents in Erie, Pennsylvania. Before winter break, he had served as a weapons team leader in Kenya’s 1st Platoon Weapons Detachment.
His family noted in his obituary that “Austin loved the National Guard and his platoon.” Previously, he completed one semester at Gannon University before his deployment and later enrolled at Slippery Rock University to study cybersecurity.
His family remembered him fondly, stating, “Anyone who knew Austin would say he was one of the nicest people, friendly, coachable, and a great friend to everyone. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.”
The National Weather Service has issued reminders for drivers to proceed with caution in snowy conditions, noting that 70% of injuries related to ice and snow happen in vehicles.
In light of recent winter storms, the region is preparing for another arctic blast expected to sweep through this week.
