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.
NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas — A 22-year-old motorcyclist was killed Wednesday night after being thrown from his motorcycle and struck by several vehicles on Interstate 35 in New Braunfels, authorities said.
New Braunfels police officers and fire crews responded at approximately 10:30 p.m. to the 2400 block of I-35 South, near the Schmidt Avenue overpass, following reports of a motorcycle crash.
Preliminary information indicates that the motorcyclist, identified as 22-year-old Weston Waxler, was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
Officials said Waxler was thrown from his motorcycle and was subsequently struck by several vehicles traveling through the area.
Waxler was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities said his next of kin has been notified.
The fatal crash resulted in a lengthy closure of the southbound main lanes of Interstate 35. The affected section of the highway remained closed for approximately five and a half hours while traffic crews and investigators worked at the scene.
The closure caused traffic disruptions in the area as authorities processed the crash scene and conducted their investigation.
Officials said the investigation remains ongoing. At this time, authorities do not expect criminal charges to be filed in connection with the crash.
Additional information may be released as the investigation continues.