The Hesston, Pennsylvania, community is mourning the death of Walter Simpson Jr., 62, who died after being involved in a serious crash while working in an active construction zone along Interstate 70 in Fulton County.Simpson was working near the eastbound lanes of I-70 in Brush Creek Township, southeast of Breezewood, when a collision involving a construction sweeper and a passenger vehicle left him critically injured. He was transported to Fulton County Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.
The fatal incident occurred Monday morning, September 28, 2026, near mile marker 159, according to Pennsylvania State Police.
Walter Simpson Jr. Identified as Crash Victim
Pennsylvania State Police identified the deceased worker as Walter Simpson Jr. of Hesston.
According to investigators, Simpson was operating a construction sweeper inside an active I-70 work zone when the crash occurred. The left lane of the eastbound interstate had been closed because of construction activity.
A 2018 Chrysler Pacifica was traveling in the lane designated for normal traffic when the collision occurred.
The preliminary investigation indicates that the construction sweeper moved into the right lane, after which the Chrysler struck the sweeper. Police have emphasized that the investigation is still underway and that the preliminary account could change as additional evidence is reviewed.
How the I-70 Crash Unfolded
The collision happened at approximately 6:50 a.m. Monday along eastbound I-70 near mile marker 159.
Emergency responders transported Simpson to Fulton County Medical Center following the crash. The Fulton County Coroner’s Office later confirmed that Simpson was pronounced dead at approximately 9:14 a.m.
The other driver, a 47-year-old woman from Kearneysville, West Virginia, was not injured and declined medical transportation. Police reported that she was wearing a lap and shoulder belt.
Driver Under Investigation After Fatal Collision
Pennsylvania State Police said the driver of the Chrysler is under investigation for suspected driving under the influence.
A report from Pennsylvania State Police said the woman was cited with DUI and unsafe driving. However, the investigation remains active, and the available reporting does not establish a final determination of criminal responsibility.
Authorities are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the collision, including the movements of both vehicles within the construction area.
Active Construction Zone Raises Safety Concerns
The crash occurred while road construction was underway on I-70.
Construction zones require drivers and roadway workers to operate in close proximity to one another, often with reduced lanes and changing traffic patterns. Simpson was working with construction equipment when the collision occurred.
His death underscores the serious risks faced by workers performing roadway maintenance and construction near active traffic.
Walter Simpson Jr. Crash Details
Detail Information Name Walter Simpson Jr. Age 62 Hometown Hesston, Pennsylvania Date of crash September 28, 2026 Approximate time 6:50 a.m. Location Eastbound I-70, mile marker 159 Township Brush Creek Township, Fulton County Work activity Construction zone Vehicle operated by Simpson Construction sweeper Other vehicle 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hospital Fulton County Medical Center Time pronounced dead Approximately 9:14 a.m. Investigation Pennsylvania State Police Autopsy and Investigation
The Fulton County Coroner’s Office said an autopsy was scheduled at ForensicDX in Windber.
As of the latest reports, autopsy results had not been released. Pennsylvania State Police at McConnellsburg and the Fulton County Coroner’s Office are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Simpson’s death.
Because the investigation is ongoing, additional information about the collision may become available as authorities complete their reconstruction of the incident.
Remembering Walter Simpson Jr.
For the Hesston community, Simpson’s death represents a sudden loss of a local resident whose life ended while he was carrying out his work.
His death has also affected coworkers and others connected to the construction operation, as the investigation continues into the circumstances of the fatal collision.
At this stage, publicly available reports have focused primarily on the crash and investigation rather than providing extensive biographical information about Simpson. His family and those who knew him may share additional memories and details as they make arrangements to honor his life.
Funeral and Memorial Information
Funeral, visitation and memorial arrangements for Walter Simpson Jr. have not been publicly established in the reports reviewed for this article.
Additional information may be released by his family or funeral home when arrangements are finalized.
Latest Update on Walter Simpson Jr.’s Death
Walter Simpson Jr., 62, of Hesston, died after being struck while operating a construction sweeper in an active work zone along eastbound Interstate 70 in Fulton County.
Pennsylvania State Police continue to investigate the crash, while the other driver’s suspected DUI investigation remains part of the case. The circumstances surrounding the collision are preliminary and may be updated as investigators release additional findings.
Disclaimer: This article is based on preliminary information released through Pennsylvania State Police and local reporting. Details of the crash and investigation may change as authorities review evidence and release additional findings. Allegations concerning the other driver’s conduct should not be interpreted as a final determination of criminal responsibility unless established by the appropriate authorities or court.
