Pedestrian Killed on I-80 in Mercer County

A man was struck and killed while walking on the highway after his vehicle became disabled.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 12:31am

A 58-year-old man from Vienna, Ohio was killed on Thursday night after being struck by a pickup truck while walking on I-80 in Mercer County, Pennsylvania. The man's vehicle had become disabled, and he was attempting to reach the median when the fatal accident occurred.

Why it matters

Pedestrian accidents on highways are a serious safety concern, as they often result in severe injuries or fatalities. This incident highlights the dangers faced by drivers whose vehicles become disabled on busy interstates, and the importance of having proper safety protocols and assistance available in such situations.

The details

According to the Mercer County Coroner's Office, Gregory Booty was driving eastbound on I-80 in East Lackawannock Township around 6:30 p.m. on Thursday when his vehicle became disabled. Booty exited his car and began walking toward the median, when he was struck by an oncoming pickup truck in the passing lane. The pickup truck sustained disabling damage in the collision. Booty was pronounced dead at the scene at 7:30 p.m. due to multiple blunt force trauma.

  • On Thursday, February 20, 2026 around 6:30 p.m., Booty's vehicle became disabled on I-80.
  • Booty was struck and killed around 7:30 p.m. on the same day.

The players

Gregory Booty

A 58-year-old man from Vienna, Ohio whose vehicle became disabled on I-80 in Mercer County, Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania State Police

The law enforcement agency investigating the fatal pedestrian accident.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Pennsylvania State Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the importance of having proper safety protocols and assistance available for drivers whose vehicles become disabled on busy interstates, in order to prevent similar pedestrian accidents and loss of life.