MERCER COUNTY, PA. (THECOUNT.COM) — Austin Golab, 22, of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been identified as the man killed Thursday in a multi-vehicle crash involving tractor-trailers on Interstate 79 in Mercer County, according to the Mercer County Coroner’s Office.
Mercer County Coroner John Libonati identified Golab in a news release and said he was pronounced dead at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Jan. 15 at the scene of the crash. The collision occurred in the southbound lanes of Interstate 79 in Jackson Township, near the Route 62 exit.
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Libonati ruled Golab’s death accidental, citing blunt-force trauma as the cause, according to information released by the coroner’s office.
The crash was initially reported at approximately 11:45 a.m. on Jan. 15, Libonati said.
According to a separate news release from Pennsylvania State Police in Mercer, the crash occurred during severe winter weather conditions. Troopers reported that the roadway was snow-covered and visibility was significantly reduced due to whiteout conditions at the time of the collision.
State police said a tractor-trailer had come to a stop in the right southbound lane of Interstate 79 after traffic ahead was stopped. A second tractor-trailer traveling behind the first truck was unable to stop in time and struck the rear of the stopped tractor-trailer.
Investigators said the vehicle driven by Golab then collided with the rear of the second tractor-trailer, resulting in fatal injuries.
A passenger riding in the second tractor-trailer was transported to a hospital for treatment. Authorities said the extent of that individual’s injuries was not immediately known.
Pennsylvania State Police did not identify the drivers or passengers of the tractor-trailers involved in the crash in their release.
Emergency crews responded to the scene, and the crash prompted significant traffic disruptions in the region.
Golab was a member of the Army National Guard, according to multiple verified social media posts and photographs confirming his service. Images and tributes shared following his death identified him as serving with the Guard, and those posts were made by individuals familiar with Golab and his military involvement.
A GoFundMe campaign has also been established in Golab’s name to assist his family following his death. The fundraiser, which references his passing and military service, was shared publicly on social media in the days after the crash.
Via GoFundMe:
On the morning of January 15th, 2026, our lives changed forever. At approximately 11:45 AM, Austin Golab, just 22 years old, was tragically taken from us in a multi-vehicle accident on Interstate 79.
Austin was a light in this world—a resident of Erie, PA, who lived with a sense of purpose and a heart full of kindness. To those who knew him, he wasn’t just a friend or a relative; he was the person who could find a reason to smile regardless of the situation. He was hardworking, caring, and deeply devoted to the people he loved.
A Dedicated Soldier and Friend
Austin served his country with pride as a Specialist in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, Bravo Company. In 2024, he deployed to Africa, standing tall in service to others. He returned home with that same infectious spirit, continuing to make everyone around him proud.
While we are heartbroken, we want Austin to look down from heaven and see how much he was truly loved. No one deserves to have their journey cut this short, but Austin’s legacy is defined by the quality of his character, not the length of his years.
How You Can Help
No family is ever prepared to say goodbye to a 22-year-old son, brother, and hero. As Austin’s family navigates this profound grief, the last thing they should have to worry about is the financial burden of a sudden tragedy.
We have started this fund to assist the Golab family with:
• Funeral and memorial arrangements to give Austin the honorable farewell he deserves.
• Medical and transport expenses resulting from the accident.
• General financial support for the family as they take time away from work to grieve and heal.
Austin’s life was worth more than any amount of money, but your donations will allow his family to focus on honoring his memory without the added stress of mounting expenses.
Please Share and Support
Whether you can donate or simply share this page, every gesture helps. Please keep the Golab family in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.
Rest in peace, Austin. Your mission here is done, but you will never be forgotten.
Adverse winter weather and multiple traffic incidents forced the closure of several portions of Interstate 79 for several hours on Jan. 15, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
PennDOT reported that closures included both the northbound and southbound lanes of Interstate 79 in Mercer County between Interstate 80 and Exit 130 at Route 358.
Additional closures were reported in Erie County, where northbound lanes of Interstate 79 near Exit 174 in McKean Township were temporarily shut down due to weather-related conditions.
Authorities urged motorists to exercise extreme caution during the winter storm, as snow-covered roadways and limited visibility contributed to numerous crashes throughout the region.
The Pennsylvania State Police continue to investigate the crash. No citations or charges have been announced, and investigators have not released additional details regarding vehicle speeds or other contributing factors beyond weather conditions.
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