Schuylkill County Man, Austin J. Didgen 31, Dies After Being Struck by a Vehicle in Rush Township

The Schuylkill County community is grieving the loss of Austin J. Didgen, a 31-year-old Barnesville resident who died Sunday evening after being struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross a roadway in Rush Township.

The fatal crash occurred at approximately 6:01 p.m. on May 31, 2026, in the 200 block of Grier Avenue. Pennsylvania State Police from the Frackville barracks responded to the scene after receiving reports of a pedestrian being struck by a northbound vehicle.

According to troopers, the front driver’s side of the vehicle made contact with Didgen as he entered the roadway.

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Emergency responders rushed to the scene, and Didgen was transported to St. Luke’s Miners Memorial Hospital in Coaldale. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital. His passing has left a deep void in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

The driver of the vehicle, 22-year-old Erick M. Chavez of Freeland, was uninjured in the crash. Chavez was operating a 2020 Honda Civic, which sustained minor, operable damage to the front driver’s side as a result of the collision.

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As of the time of this report, no criminal charges have been filed against the driver, and the investigation remains active.

Pennsylvania State Police Troop L, Jonestown Station, took the lead on the investigation. Supporting units, including Troop L’s Forensic Services Unit, along with the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction teams, were called in to assist in piecing together the exact sequence of events that led to the tragedy.

Several emergency response agencies aided at the scene, including Ryan Township EMS, Tamaqua EMS, MEDEVAC 4, and local fire department personnel, all working to provide care and manage the situation on Grier Avenue that Sunday evening.

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For the family and friends of Austin Didgen, the sudden nature of this loss has made an already painful situation even harder to bear.

A young man of just 31 years old, his death has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community of Barnesville and the broader Schuylkill County area. Those who knew him are now left to lean on one another as they process a grief that words can hardly begin to describe.

Pedestrian safety remains a serious concern across Pennsylvania roadways, and tragedies like this one serve as a stark reminder of how quickly and unexpectedly lives can change.

Communities throughout the state have continued to call for greater awareness around pedestrian safety, particularly in areas where foot traffic and vehicle travel intersect.

Rush Township and the surrounding communities have rallied around the Didgen family during this incredibly difficult time.

Neighbors, friends, and residents have expressed their condolences and offered support to those closest to Austin as they navigate the days ahead.

State Police have not released further details on what may have contributed to the crash, and the investigation is expected to continue as authorities work to establish a full and accurate account of what took place on Grier Avenue.

Austin J. Didgen was 31 years old. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Information on services had not been released at the time of publication.