NORTH SEWICKLEY TWP., Pa. — A 21-year-old Pittsburgh man was tragically killed in a hit-and-run crash early Thursday morning along the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Beaver County, authorities confirmed. The victim, identified as Khalil Mutadabur, was struck by a vehicle while walking westbound in the eastbound lanes near milepost 13.9, roughly 3,600 feet east of River Road.
The collision occurred shortly after 2 a.m. in a designated work zone, though investigators noted that Mutadabur was not a worker in the area. According to the Pennsylvania State Police, Mutadabur sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Beaver County Coroner’s Office. The vehicle involved in the crash did not stop and fled the area, sparking an active search for the driver responsible.
State police are now appealing to the public for assistance as they continue their investigation. Authorities are urging anyone who may have been traveling along that stretch of the Turnpike around the time of the crash to review dashcam footage or report any suspicious activity or vehicle damage that might be connected to the incident. Information can be shared directly with the Pennsylvania State Police Troop T, Gibsonia Station, as investigators work to identify the suspect vehicle.
Officials say the incident underscores the dangers of nighttime travel along major highways and the importance of vigilance for both drivers and pedestrians. Work zones, in particular, pose added risks due to reduced lighting, narrowed lanes, and unexpected pedestrian presence. Police reminded motorists to stay alert, reduce speed in construction areas, and report any collisions immediately.
The tragic loss of Khalil Mutadabur has deeply affected his family and community. Friends describe him as a kind, ambitious young man with a bright future ahead. His sudden passing has left loved ones heartbroken and searching for answers. Community members have shared condolences and tributes on social media, calling for justice and urging anyone with knowledge of the crash to come forward.
As the investigation continues, authorities remain determined to locate the driver who fled the scene. Police emphasized that even small pieces of information could prove crucial in solving the case. Meanwhile, the community mourns the loss of a life cut short far too soon — a solemn reminder of the need for safety and accountability on Pennsylvania’s roadways.