Yesterday on Interstate 70 in North Franklin Township, a man was found dead on the eastbound side of the highway after apparently being struck multiple times, according to Washington County Coroner Timothy Warco. The man was pronounced dead at the scene, and Pennsylvania State Police are leading the investigation.
What officials released
Coroner Timothy Warco said a tractor-trailer driver called 911 at about 4 a.m. after seeing what appeared to be a person lying in the eastbound lanes. The body was discovered roughly 200 feet from the Chestnut Street on-ramp in North Franklin Township, according to WTAE. In a release, Warco wrote that it is presumed, but not yet confirmed, that the victim had been a pedestrian.
Investigators seek tips
Pennsylvania State Police are investigating the death, and anyone with information is asked to contact the state police at 724-223-5200 or the Washington County Coroner's Office at 724-228-6785, as reported by WPXI. Officials have not yet released the man’s identity or the sequence of events that led to the fatality.
How common are interstate pedestrian deaths?
State crash data show that pedestrian incidents are a relatively small share of total reported crashes but a much larger share of deaths. PennDOT recorded 174 pedestrian fatalities statewide in 2024, including 20 on interstates, which is about 11.5 percent. The report also notes that a large share of pedestrian fatalities occur during non-daylight hours.
Pennsylvania State Police continue to investigate, while the coroner's office is responsible for confirming the man’s identity and determining the official cause of death. This story will be updated as authorities release more details.
