Driver of crash that killed five in Wharton had cocaine in his system
Toxicology results showed a man driving a vehicle during a crash that killed him and four others had cocaine in his system, according to the Fayette County coroner.
In a brief release issued Saturday, Dr. Bob Baker said Harold Nibert, 55, of Delaware, Ohio, showed “positive results for cocaine use at the time of the accident.”
The March 26 crash in Wharton Township killed Nibert and the passengers in his Honda Accord: Bradley Thivener, 47; Krystal May 36; Amanda Dawson, 33; and Dawson’s 7-month-old son Kullen Dawson. All of the other victims were also from Delaware.
The crash occurred at about 1:30 p.m. while Nibert was driving east on Route 40. According to Baker, Nibert’s vehicle crossed the double yellow line into opposing traffic and struck a tractor-trailer head on.
All five victims were declared dead at the scene.
The accident occurred near Route 40’s intersection with Meadow Run Drive, a stretch of road known for serious accidents.
The day after the crash, township Supervisor Brain VanSickle said he planned to ask the state to conduct a study of Route 40, and to reduce its speed limit to 45 mph.
Data provided by PennDOT District 12 shows that there were 13 crashes on Route 40 from Route 381 to Hawes Road between 2018 and 2022 with 13 minor injuries reported.