FINDLEY TOWNSHIP, Pa. - A fatal collision involving two commercial vehicles on Interstate 80 in Mercer County claimed the life of an Ohio truck driver Wednesday morning.
The victim has been identified by Mercer County Coroner John A. Libonati as 66 year old Gary Edward Jones of New Springfield, Ohio.
The crash occurred around 9:25 a.m. in the westbound lanes of I-80 at mile marker 19, near the Interstate 79 interchange in Findley Township. According to state police and county officials, an eastbound or left lane commercial vehicle made contact with Jones' tractor trailer. The impact forced Jones' rig off the roadway, causing the vehicle to overturn laterally and crash along the northern berm. Heavy mangled wreckage was left scattered along the shoulder.
First responders initially requested a medical helicopter, but emergency personnel on the scene canceled the air transport and dispatched the coroner's office. Jones was pronounced dead at the scene at 9:44 a.m. due to severe blunt force trauma. Following an initial review, Coroner Libonati officially ruled the manner of death as a homicide.
The incident caused extensive traffic disruptions along I-80 West, forcing PennDOT to close lanes and implement a temporary detour via I-79 South to Route 422 West while emergency crews cleared the wreckage and contained a tanker unit involved in the collision. All lanes were successfully reopened to traffic by 3:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Outside of his long career on the road, Jones was remembered by friends and loved ones for his passion for fishing. In a social media tribute, Sweet Dreams Fishing Charters remembered Jones as a longtime client and dear friend who brought laughter to every charter. "Till we see each other again, find us a good fishing spot," the charter wrote.
The Pennsylvania State Police are leading the ongoing investigation to determine the exact circumstances and potential charges stemming from the collision.
