Motorcyclist Killed in Multi-Vehicle Crash on I-78 Identified as 20-Year-Old Gavin J. Long of Middle Paxton Township
DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. — A tragic accident on Interstate 78 early Sunday morning has claimed the life of 20-year-old Gavin J. Long, a resident of Middle Paxton Township in Dauphin County. Authorities with the Pennsylvania State Police have confirmed Long’s identity and are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the devastating three-vehicle collision that cut his life tragically short.
The crash occurred shortly after 8:30 a.m. near mile marker 25 in Berks County, in the eastbound lanes of I-78. According to initial reports, Long was riding his motorcycle when the accident unfolded, involving two other vehicles—a sedan and a pickup truck.
State Police say Long was traveling eastbound when traffic slowed unexpectedly in the lane ahead. While attempting to safely maneuver around the congestion, Long’s motorcycle collided with the rear of the pickup truck in front of him. The impact caused Long to be thrown from his motorcycle and into the path of an oncoming sedan, which struck him. The drivers of the pickup and sedan remained at the scene and are cooperating fully with the investigation.
Emergency personnel were immediately dispatched, including fire rescue teams, EMS, and multiple state police units. Despite rapid response efforts, Long was pronounced dead at the scene from catastrophic injuries sustained in the impact.
Authorities shut down several eastbound lanes of the highway for hours on Sunday as investigators reconstructed the scene, documented evidence, and worked to clear the wreckage. Traffic was diverted during the closure, causing extended delays for morning travelers.
Gavin J. Long’s death has sent ripples of grief through the tight-knit community of Middle Paxton Township, where he was known as a bright, kind-hearted young man with a love for motorcycles and the outdoors. Friends and family members describe him as adventurous, loyal, and deeply devoted to his loved ones.
“He was the type of person who brought energy and light wherever he went,” said his cousin, Maria Long. “This was a young man full of dreams and ambition. Gavin had his whole life ahead of him. We are just shattered.”
Long had recently completed a technical certification in automotive repair and was preparing to start an apprenticeship with a local garage. He was a proud owner of his motorcycle, which he had carefully maintained and cherished. His family said riding gave him a sense of freedom, peace, and connection to the world around him.
“This wasn’t reckless joyriding—this was something he was passionate about, something he respected,” said his longtime friend Caleb Norris. “He loved the road, but he was always careful.”
The Pennsylvania State Police have not announced any charges in connection with the crash and say that all drivers involved were sober and compliant at the time of the incident. However, the investigation remains active, and authorities are continuing to review vehicle dash cam footage, highway surveillance, and witness statements to determine the exact chain of events.
In the wake of the tragedy, road safety advocates are once again urging both drivers and motorcyclists to remain vigilant—especially during the summer months, when warm weather brings more two-wheeled vehicles onto Pennsylvania’s highways.
“Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable,” said Officer Jared Conway of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. “A momentary distraction or a sudden stop can lead to fatal consequences. We all have a role to play in keeping our roads safe.”
A memorial for Gavin Long has begun to form at the scene of the crash, where flowers, candles, and handwritten notes have been placed by grieving friends and family. Plans are underway for a candlelight vigil later this week in Middle Paxton Township to honor his memory.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days, with family requesting privacy as they mourn the sudden and heartbreaking loss of a beloved son, brother, and friend.
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information that could aid investigators is asked to contact the Pennsylvania State Police Hamburg Barracks at (610) 562-6885.
As his loved ones prepare to say goodbye, one message continues to echo: Gavin J. Long will not be forgotten. His life, though brief, left an enduring impact on those who knew and loved him.
