State trooper struck, killed by tractor-trailer along I-81 in Schuylkill County

An out-of-control tractor-trailer plowed into a veteran Pennsylvania State Trooper on Interstate 81 early Wednesday morning, dragging him beneath the burning wreckage in a horrific crash that has stunned the law enforcement community.

Trooper Michael Pahira, a 20-year veteran of the force, died from his injuries at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Schuylkill following the 7 a.m. collision, authorities said.

The fatal chain of events began near mile marker 119 in Cass Township. Trooper Pahira, working out of the Frackville barracks as a motor carrier inspector, was standing on the highway shoulder conducting a routine inspection. He was speaking directly with the driver of a parked tractor-trailer when a second commercial truck suddenly veered off the southbound lanes, authorities said.

The second truck slammed into Pahira’s parked patrol pickup, pushed the inspected rig far off the roadway, and struck Pahira. The impact dragged the trooper beneath the vehicle as it burst into flames.

“The fact that the truck being inspected was pushed far off the roadway indicates the massive speed and force of that impact,” said State Police Acting Commissioner Lt. Col. George Bivens during an emotional afternoon press conference.

“This man died a hero,” Bivens said.

“He was a good man, and he was a good cop, and he was taken from us far too soon while he was serving his community,” Gov. Josh Shapiro said. “We are all going to miss him.”

Pahira’s age and the town where he lived were not immediately available.

The driver of the vehicle that struck Pahira was also taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital–Schuylkill for treatment. State police withheld his name and details about his injuries as they investigate, Bivens said.

It was too early to say whether the driver would face charges. The severe damage that his vehicle sustained will complicate the investigation, Bivens said.

“We’re still trying to determine what happened,” he said.

Interstate 81 south remained closed Wednesday morning as that investigation continued.

Those on the scene freed Pahira and provided immediate aid before he was transported to the hospital, though authorities noted he never regained consciousness. The Schuylkill County Coroner’s office has not yet declared an official cause and manner of death. A forensic autopsy will be performed Thursday morning, said Dr. David Moylan, county coroner.

Bivens thanked the EMS personnel, troopers, bystanders at the crash scene, and hospital staff who worked valiantly to try to save Pahira’s life.

Shapiro said that the tragedy is a reminder of how great of a sacrifice law enforcement officers make. He promised Pahira’s family that the state police and the state itself would always be there for them.

Schuylkill County Commissioner Barron “Boots” Hetherington commented on the trooper’s death at the start of Wednesday’s commissioners meeting.

“The first responders, our police force - whether it’s state police, local police, township - every day they go out and do their job, and these things happen,” he said. “It’s just a shame that we’ve lost an individual.”

Fraternal Order of Police No. 62 said in a Facebook post on Wednesday morning: “We have just learned that a Trooper from the Troop L Frackville Barracks has passed in the line of duty while conducting a motor carrier inspection early this morning along Interstate 81. Our FOP extends its heartfelt condolences and prayers to the members’ family and all of our brothers and sisters who remain to carry out the duties of the Pennsylvania State Police.”

Shapiro described Pahira, known to other troopers as “Mikey,” as a funny man who loved cooking and cars - “especially modifying cars.”

The night before the tragedy, Pahira, who had recently moved back home to care for his ailing mother, Patty, cooked a dinner of steak and chicken fajitas.

“He told Big Mike his father] to eat the chicken because the best [the steak was going to his mom,” Shapiro said.

Pahira’s devotion to his mother, who is currently undergoing cancer treatments, included recently helping her shave her head.

Before his career with the state police, Pahira was a standout athlete at North Schuylkill High School, where he still holds the state record for the fastest wrestling pin.

“It was seven seconds, but others believed it to be even quicker before the referee could respond,” Shapiro said.

Shapiro called the fatal crash “awful” and ordered flags across the commonwealth to be flown at half-staff in Pahira’s honor. The flags will remain lowered until the date of his interment, which has not yet been set. All Pennsylvanians were invited to participate in the tribute.

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This story was originally published July 1, 2026 at 6:51 PM.