SALISBURY TOWNSHIP, PA – Authorities have identified Gavin J. Long, 20, of Middle Paxton Township, Dauphin County, as the motorcyclist who was tragically killed in a three-vehicle crash along Interstate 78 on Sunday morning.
The fatal incident occurred around 10:00 a.m. in the eastbound lanes near mile marker 58.8, according to Trooper Nathan Branosky, spokesperson for Pennsylvania State Police Troop M. Long was operating a 2024 Yamaha motorcycle in the middle lane when he attempted to change lanes. In the process, he sideswiped the rear driver’s side of a 2022 Volvo semi-trailer traveling just ahead of him.
The impact caused Long to be thrown from his motorcycle and subsequently struck by the semi-truck. His motorcycle also collided with the passenger-side front bumper of a 2025 Cadillac Escalade that had been traveling in the left lane. The driver of the Escalade and the semi-truck were uninjured in the crash.
Gavin J. Long was pronounced dead at the scene at 11:15 a.m. by Lehigh County Coroner Daniel A. Buglio, who confirmed that Long died as a result of multiple blunt force injuries. The manner of death has been ruled accidental.
No other injuries were reported in the crash.
The incident remains under investigation by the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office, the Pennsylvania State Police at Fogelsville, and the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office.
Gavin’s tragic passing marks a heartbreaking loss for his family, friends, and community. He was only 20 years old, with a life full of promise ahead of him.
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