Community Corner

Details Of Fatal I-78 Crash Released By Coroner

The Berks County Coroner said Austin T. Zalik, 21, of Upper Macungie died from head and chest injuries and his death ruled an accident.

A Berks County coronor said of Upper Macungie died when his parked pickup truck slipped down an embankment while he slept and slid into traffic on Interstate 78, where it was hit by a tractor-trailer, according to a report in The Morning Call.

Deputy Coroner John Hollenbach said Zalik died Aug. 3 from head and chest injuries and his death was ruled an accident, according to the report.

The report said tests showed Zalik had an 0.09 blood-alcohol level when tests were taken. The report said Zalik had been at a bar and at a friend's house and was in he process of returning to his Upper Macungie home.

Find out what's happening in Upper Macungiewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Hollenbach said the the truck likely went into gear before it slid down the embankment and was hit by the tractor along the driver's side door.

The report says Hollenbach reviewed the tapes from the service station to help determine the exact chain of events leading to the accident.

Find out what's happening in Upper Macungiewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Zalik, a junior, was enjoying his summer leave from the U.S. Naval Academy. He was member of the 9th Company and an ocean engineering major. Zalik had been selected as captain of the gymnastics team for the upcoming season.

Zalik had previously competed at the Parkettes National Gymnastics Training Center In Allentown.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here