Rush Township, PA (June 2, 2026) – A Schuylkill County man died Sunday evening after being struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross a roadway in Rush Township. The collision occurred at approximately 6:01 p.m. on Sunday, May 31, in the 200 block of Grier Avenue.
According to the Pennsylvania State Police, 31-year-old Austin J. Didgen of Barnesville entered the roadway and was hit by a northbound 2020 Honda Civic. Troopers said the front driver’s side of the vehicle struck Didgen. He was taken to St. Luke’s Miners Memorial Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
The driver, identified as 22-year-old Erick M. Chavez of Freeland, was not injured. Police reported that the Honda sustained minor damage to its front driver’s side and remained operable following the collision. No charges had been filed as of Tuesday.
State police continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the fatal wreck. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Austin J. Didgen.
What Factors Are Commonly Examined in Pedestrian Fatality Investigations?
When a pedestrian is fatally struck by a vehicle, investigators typically review several factors to determine how the collision occurred. These may include roadway design, lighting conditions, traffic patterns, vehicle speed, and the location where the pedestrian entered the roadway.
Physical evidence from the road, vehicle damage, and witness statements can help reconstruct the sequence of events. Investigators may also examine sightlines and visibility to determine what both the driver and the pedestrian could have observed before the collision. In many cases, a detailed reconstruction is necessary to establish the movements of everyone involved and to better understand the circumstances leading to the fatal outcome.
