A Schuylkill County man died Sunday evening after being struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross a roadway in Rush Township, according to Pennsylvania State Police.
The crash occurred around 6:01 p.m. on May 31, 2026, in the 200 block of Grier Avenue in Rush Township.
State Police from the Frackville barracks reported that 31-year-old Austin J. Didgen, of Barnesville, entered the roadway when he was struck by a northbound vehicle. Troopers said the front driver's side of the vehicle made contact with the pedestrian.
Didgen was transported to St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.
The driver of the vehicle, identified by police as 22-year-old Erick M. Chavez, of Freeland, was not injured in the crash. Police said the vehicle, a 2020 Honda Civic, sustained minor, operable damage to its front driver's side.
As of this posting, no charges were filed against the driver.
The investigation was conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police Troop L, Jonestown Station. Troop L's Forensic Services Unit, Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Units assisted with the investigation.
Also assisting at the scene were Ryan Township EMS, Tamaqua EMS, MEDEVAC 4, and local fire department personnel.