Local News
31-Year-Old Austin Didgen Dies After Being Struck by Vehicle in Rush Township Pedestrian Crash
RUSH TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Pennsylvania State Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash that claimed the life of a 31-year-old Barnesville man Sunday evening in Rush Township.
The victim has been identified as Austin J. Didgen, 31, of Barnesville.
According to investigators, the crash occurred at approximately 6:01 p.m. on May 31, 2026, in the 200 block of Grier Avenue.
Preliminary findings indicate that Didgen was attempting to cross the roadway when he was struck by a northbound vehicle.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and provided aid before transporting Didgen to St. Luke’s Miners Memorial Hospital for treatment. Despite medical efforts, he later succumbed to the injuries he sustained in the collision.
Authorities identified the driver involved as 22-year-old Erick M. Chavez of Freeland. State police reported that Chavez was not injured in the crash.
The vehicle involved, a 2020 Honda Civic, sustained minor damage as a result of the collision.
Investigators from the Pennsylvania State Police, with assistance from the Ryan Township Police Department, responded to the scene and began an extensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.
At this time, no charges have been filed, and authorities have not released additional details regarding factors that may have contributed to the incident.
Troopers continue to review evidence and gather information as part of the ongoing investigation. Additional details may be released as investigators complete their findings.
The death of Austin J. Didgen has left family members, friends, and members of the local community mourning his loss.
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information that could assist investigators is encouraged to contact Pennsylvania State Police.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Local News
Donald Robert Morris-Jones Charged in Fatal Wake County Cycling Crash That Killed One and Injured Seven; Bond Set at $1 Million
WAKE COUNTY, N.C. — A devastating collision involving a group of cyclists in Wake County, North Carolina, left one person dead and seven others injured. A 76-year-old Apex man, identified as Donald Robert Morris-Jones, has been arrested and faces multiple felony charges in connection with the crash.
According to the information provided in court records, Morris-Jones was arrested on November 7, 2026, following an investigation by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. Authorities allege that he struck multiple cyclists and failed to remain at the scene after the collision.
The incident has deeply affected the cycling community, with one family mourning the loss of a loved one and seven other victims facing injuries and recovery.
Morris-Jones faces a series of charges across two related cases. The charges listed in the supplied court information include:
- One count of felony death by vehicle.
- Seven counts of felony serious injury by vehicle.
- Eight counts of felony hit-and-run involving serious injury or death.
- Driving while impaired.
- Reckless driving with wanton disregard.
- Driving left of center.
The eight hit-and-run counts allege that Morris-Jones failed to stop following the collision, which resulted in one death and injuries to seven other people.
These are allegations contained in the criminal charges. Morris-Jones is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
One charging document alleges that Morris-Jones was driving on State Road 1390 while under the influence of an impairing substance, resulting in serious injuries to another person.
The document describes injuries that reportedly included damage to the person’s leg and ribs, as well as a laceration to the left arm.
A driving-while-impaired record indicates that a blood test was ordered. However, the results had not been released in the information provided, and no conclusion about the test results can be drawn at this stage.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision.
A judicial official set secured bonds totaling $1 million across the two cases.
The bond amounts were listed as:
- $750,000 in one case.
- $250,000 in the related case.
According to the supplied court documents, the judicial official cited the combined offenses and described an “overwhelming danger to society.” The official also noted that Morris-Jones appeared to have no significant criminal history while expressing concern that he had allegedly attempted to flee to avoid prosecution.
The bond decision reflects the court’s assessment at this stage of the proceedings and does not establish guilt.
Morris-Jones is scheduled to appear in Wake County District Court on November 9, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. The hearing is listed for Courtroom 304.
Further proceedings are expected to address the charges as the case moves through the judicial process. Additional information about the crash, the victims, and the investigation may be released as it becomes available.
Beyond the criminal charges and court proceedings, the crash has left families and an entire cycling community facing a painful loss.
One person will not return home, while seven others have reportedly suffered serious injuries. Their loved ones must now navigate the uncertainty, emotional strain, and challenges that follow a sudden and traumatic event.
For the cyclists involved, what began as a morning ride ended in tragedy. Friends, relatives, and fellow riders are left remembering the person who died while hoping for recovery and healing for those who survived.
Our thoughts are with the family of the person who lost their life, the seven injured cyclists, and everyone affected by this devastating collision.
May the person who died be remembered with love and dignity, and may the injured victims find strength and healing in the days ahead.