PA Man Daniel Barnhart ID’d As Victim In Thursday Herndon Fatal Ejection Crash

JACKSON TOWNSHIP, PA (THECOUNT) — Daniel Barnhart, 39, of Herndon, Pennsylvania, was identified as the man who died Thursday evening following a single-vehicle crash in Jackson Township, Northumberland County, according to Pennsylvania State Police.

Troopers with Pennsylvania State Police Stonington said the crash occurred at approximately 6:57 p.m. on January 29 along the 6000 block of State Route 147 in Herndon. Authorities were dispatched to the scene for a report of a vehicle that had left the roadway.

Investigators determined that Barnhart was operating a 2008 Ford F-150 pickup truck when, for reasons that remain under investigation, the vehicle exited the roadway and struck an embankment. Police said the crash involved only the pickup and no other vehicles were reported to be involved.

According to state police, the impact caused Barnhart to be ejected through the rear window of the truck. He was thrown approximately 120 feet down an embankment located below the roadway. Troopers confirmed that Barnhart was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

Emergency responders arrived on scene and located Barnhart below the roadway. Despite lifesaving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. No passengers were reported to be inside the vehicle at the time of the crash.

State Route 147, where the crash occurred, runs through a rural stretch of Jackson Township in Northumberland County. The area is known for its winding roadway and elevation changes, particularly along sections bordered by embankments and wooded terrain. Traffic in the area was impacted for a period of time as troopers conducted their on-scene investigation and cleared the roadway.

PSP Stonington said the crash remains under active investigation. At this time, police have not released information regarding potential contributing factors such as speed, road conditions, or impairment. A full crash reconstruction is expected to be completed as part of the investigation.

The Northumberland County Coroner’s Office was notified and responded to the scene. An autopsy may be conducted to determine the official cause and manner of death, in accordance with standard procedure in fatal crash investigations.

Pennsylvania State Police continue to remind motorists of the importance of wearing seat belts at all times. According to PennDOT data, seat belt use significantly reduces the risk of fatal injury in crashes, particularly in incidents involving rollovers or vehicle ejections.

No further details were immediately released. Anyone with information related to the crash is encouraged to contact Pennsylvania State Police Stonington.

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