New Salem man dies in crash
MENALLEN TWP. – A New Salem man was killed early Friday in a single-car crash in Menallen Township. Fayette County Deputy Coroner Marisa Springer said she pronounced John D. Grahek, 25, of 740 New Salem Road dead at the scene of the crash at 6:59 a.m. Springer said that Grahek died from blunt force trauma to the head, face and chest and well as multiple rib fractures.
Springer said the crash occurred at 5:41 a.m. when Grahek lost control of his red Honda Civic, crossed over the opposite lane of traffic and struck a concrete culvert near 788 New Salem Road. The car then struck and sheared a utility pole before overturning, she said.
She noted that Grahek was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
No one else was traveling with Grahek when the crash occurred.
Volunteer firefighters from New Salem and Footedale closed the road for several hours following the crash as crews worked to clear debris and downed power lines.
The crash occurred near the First Christian Church of New Salem.
According to Springer, toxicology tests will be performed, however, no autopsy is planned.
The crash remains under investigation by state police.