Local News
Michael Smith and Danielle Jackman killed following crash involving five vehicles near Fort Duquesne Bridge in Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Authorities have identified the two people killed in a devastating multi-vehicle crash that occurred Wednesday afternoon near the Fort Duquesne Bridge on Pittsburgh’s North Shore.
According to the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office, the victims were identified as 52-year-old Michael Smith of Sheraden and 58-year-old Danielle Jackman of Churchill.
The crash happened around 3 p.m. near the interchange connecting the Fort Duquesne Bridge, Route 65, and Route 28.
Officials said the collision involved five vehicles and resulted in one vehicle plunging off the interchange onto Reedsdale Street below.
Investigators said Michael Smith was driving the vehicle that went over the bridge railing during the crash. He was pronounced dead at the scene after the vehicle fell from the elevated roadway.
Danielle Jackman was trapped inside another heavily damaged vehicle on the bridge.
Emergency crews used the Jaws of Life to free her from the wreckage before she was transported to UPMC Mercy Hospital for treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Jackman later died from her injuries at the hospital.
Pittsburgh Police Chief Jason Lando and public safety officials described the collision as a “very serious crash.” Multiple EMS units, firefighters, and police officers responded to the chaotic scene.
Several additional people involved in the collision were evaluated by emergency medical personnel at the scene but declined transportation to the hospital. Authorities said others involved in the crash were able to walk away without serious injuries.
The crash caused major traffic disruptions across the North Shore area for several hours. According to PennDOT, Route 65 was reopened to traffic around 7 p.m.
Investigators are continuing to examine what led to the fatal chain-reaction crash. Officials have not yet released information regarding possible contributing factors, including speed, impairment, or mechanical failure.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Local News
29-Year-Old Alex Rodriguez Found Dead on University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, No Foul Play Suspected
URBANA, Ill. — A 29-year-old Champaign man found dead on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus Monday morning has been identified as Alex C. Rodriguez, according to the Champaign County Coroner’s Office.
The University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) responded to the area of Green and Wright streets at approximately 6:42 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive person near the Alma Mater statue.
Officers arrived and found Rodriguez on a concrete bench. Emergency medical assistance was requested at the scene.
The Champaign County Coroner’s Office responded, and Rodriguez was pronounced dead at approximately 7:16 a.m., according to Coroner Laurie Brauer.
Authorities said Rodriguez was not affiliated with the University of Illinois.
UIPD provided an update Monday afternoon, saying preliminary observations at the scene revealed no signs of foul play.
Police also said there was no evidence of an ongoing threat to the university campus or surrounding community based on the information available when officers responded.
Because investigators did not identify an active threat, the university did not issue an Illini-Alert emergency notification.
The circumstances surrounding Rodriguez’s death have not been determined.
An autopsy has been scheduled, and the death remains under investigation by the University of Illinois Police Department.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances leading to Rodriguez’s death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected as investigators receive further information from the autopsy and other evidence.
No foul play has been indicated based on the preliminary investigation.