BUTLER TOWNSHIP -- Four people were involved in a deadly crash on Interstate 81 Friday morning. Only one person survived.
State police say Daniel Sleva Jr., 24, of Mahanoy City was traveling north on Interstate 81 Friday near where I-81 meets Interstate 80. Sleva crossed over the median into oncoming traffic, hitting the Johnson family's vehicle head on.
The 24 year old from Schuylkill County was killed.
Debra Johnson of New York state and her son Peter died at the scene. The father, also named Peter, was taken to the hospital.
Friends of Sleva told Newswatch 16 they were shocked to hear he was involved.
"It just doesn't seem fair right now."
Police don't know why Sleva crossed the median, but friends tell Newswatch 16 that he had diabetes and that they believe his medical condition played a role in the crash.
Now his friends and family mourn the 24 year old.
Father Joseph Whalen, the pastor at St. Richard's Church in Barnesville, says the family is very involved and that Daniel was always offering to help out.
"He's the kind of guy that gets involved in everything. So, if one of the servers didn't show up, he would come up and serve," Father Whalen said.
Just a few years ago, Sleva was helping out once again as a member of Action Youth Group in Mahanoy City for a Good Friday tradition.
"In 2008, he played Jesus Christ in our living Stations of the Cross,” said Deborah Walker of Mahanoy City.
This year, the living Stations of the Cross will be in honor of Sleva.
"When our Jesus this year carries his cross in commemoration of Jesus Christ, we're also going to be carrying that cross for his family and friends and everybody that knew him, loved him, and were close to him."
Newswatch 16 reported Thursday about PennDOT’s plan to place a different kind of guide rail on sections of a highway in Lackawanna County to prevent these kinds of tragedies.
PennDOT says the section where Friday`s crash happened on I-81 was not on the list to get that new guide rail, but after this crash officials say they're going to look into it.
