BIG BEAVER BOROUGH, Pa. — Authorities are investigating a fatal crash that claimed the life of an Ohio man early Sunday morning along the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The incident occurred around 3:20 a.m. on October 26 near Shenango Road in Big Beaver Borough, according to the Pennsylvania State Police.
Officials identified the victim as 35-year-old Abdirahman Farah of Columbus, Ohio. Preliminary reports indicate that Farah was driving a Freightliner semi-truck westbound when the vehicle gradually drifted off the roadway, crossed the right shoulder, and continued through a grassy area for about 450 feet before striking a tree. The crash caused severe damage to the front of the truck.
Emergency crews, including local fire and medical personnel, arrived shortly after the crash was reported. Despite their rapid response, Farah was pronounced deceased at the scene. Authorities confirmed that no other vehicles or individuals were involved in the incident. The Gibsonia Barracks of the Pennsylvania State Police is leading the investigation.
Investigators are examining whether driver fatigue, mechanical failure, or other contributing factors may have caused the truck to leave its lane. Data from the vehicle’s onboard system, as well as Turnpike surveillance footage, will be analyzed to reconstruct the moments leading up to the crash. Weather at the time was reported to be clear, and there were no immediate signs of road hazards in the area.
A section of the westbound Turnpike was temporarily closed to traffic while crews removed the damaged truck and cleared debris. Officials conducted an inspection of the roadway to ensure there were no remaining safety risks. The final crash report will be released once the investigation concludes.
Farah’s death has left both the Columbus trucking community and local residents mourning the loss of a dedicated professional driver. Trucking advocates have reiterated the importance of rest, alertness, and vehicle maintenance, especially during long overnight hauls. The Pennsylvania State Police expressed their condolences to Farah’s family and reaffirmed their commitment to improving highway safety for all motorists.