Daniel Barnhart, 39, of Herndon, Pennsylvania, died Thursday evening after a violent crash on State Route 147 in Jackson Township, Northumberland County. The Pennsylvania State Police confirmed the identity of the man and said troopers were called to the scene just before 7 p.m. on Jan. 29.
Investigators say Barnhart was behind the wheel of his 2008 Ford F-150 when the truck suddenly left the roadway on the 6000 block of State Route 147 and struck an embankment. Why the vehicle veered off the road is still unknown, and troopers continue their investigation.
The impact of the crash was so forceful that Barnhart was ejected through the rear window of his pickup. Emergency crews found him about 120 feet down the embankment below the roadway. Police confirmed he was not wearing a seat belt at the time.
First responders arrived quickly but could not save him. Barnhart was pronounced dead at the scene. There were no passengers in the truck when the crash happened, and no other vehicles were involved.
State Route 147, a rural road known for its curves and uneven terrain, was closed for several hours while police cleared the wreckage and conducted their on-scene work. Traffic delays were reported as troopers gathered evidence and reopened the highway later.
Troopers from the Pennsylvania State Police Stonington barracks said the crash is still under active investigation. They have not released details about possible contributing factors such as road conditions, speed, or impairment. A full crash reconstruction is expected to be completed in the coming days.
The Northumberland County Coroner’s Office was notified and responded to the scene. An autopsy may be performed to determine the official cause and manner of death in line with standard procedures for fatal crashes.
Local authorities are urging drivers to always wear a seat belt. Data from state traffic safety officials show that wearing proper restraints greatly reduces the risk of fatal injuries, especially in collisions where occupants are thrown from vehicles.
