Traffic was delayed most of the day on Saturday as emergency crews and law enforcement responded to an accident at the intersection of Route 268 and Butler Road.
Swatt
A Lackawanna County man is dead following an accident in East Franklin Township that was discovered Saturday morning, June 8.
Brian Henry Swatt, 21, of Mayfield, PA failed to stop at a stop sign at the end of Butler Road and traveled across East Brady Road (Route 268) and traveled approximately 150 yards down over an embankment adjacent to Morris Tire Company. The vehicle came to rest on the car’s roof.
Swatt was driving a 2014 Nissan Altima and was not wearing a seat belt. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Armstrong County Chief Deputy Coroner Robert Bellas.
Swatt was a student at Indiana University of Pennsylvania Main Campus and served as a staffer for Senator Pittman.
“Brian Swatt was not only an outstanding member of my team, but also a close friend,” Pittman said in an email Saturday evening. “He worked side-by-side with me throughout my campaign and began working for my Senate district office just four days ago. His tragic death has left us shaken and distraught.”
Pittman described Swatt as “a charismatic young man who always went above and beyond. His ambition and dedication to serving our community helped to make a difference in the lives of
those around him.”
Swatt’s list of professional accomplishments was extensive and impressive for his young age. He was an Eagle Scout, had served Indiana University of Pennsylvania as Student Government President and had been nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate to serve on the PA State System of Higher Education Board of Governors.
“I will greatly miss Brian’s kindness, enthusiasm and energy,” Pittman said. “His life was cut far too short, but his impact upon our lives will never be forgotten. Gina and I are praying for strength for Brian’s parents, his family and friends during this devastating time.”
The 2014 Nissan Altima was retrieved from 150 feet over the embankment by Morris Towing on Saturday afternoon.
He was reported missing on Friday, leading police to believe the accident occurred Friday, June 7 at 2AM when he left the property at 126 Baker Gas Drive in West Franklin Township. Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Wietrzykowski said he noticed tire marks in the grass adjacent to Morris Tire Company and broken tree limbs on Saturday morning. Swatt was extricated and the vehicle had to be winched back up the embankment by Morris Towing.
Armstrong County Coroner Brian Myers said that an autopsy has been scheduled. A toxicology report will not be available for several weeks.
The coroner’s office and Pennsylvania State Police Kittanning were assisted by East Franklin Township Fire Department, according to the news release.