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
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.