State Senate staffer killed in 1-car crash
EAST FRANKLIN TWP, Armstrong County — A 21-year-old staffer for a new state senator died in a car crash Friday.
Brian Henry Swatt of Mayfield, Lackawanna County, was pronounced dead at the scene of a crash near the intersection of Route 268 and Butler Road, according to Kittanning-based state police.
Swatt failed to stop at a stop sign and drove his 2014 Nissan Altima over an embankment Friday, police said. He was reported missing the same day, and police issued a missing persons notice to aid in locating him.
He wasn't found over the embankment until Saturday, according to police, about 24 hours after the crash likely occurred. Police spotted tire marks in the grass and broken tree limbs, which led them to Swatt.
He was pronounced dead at the scene by Armstrong County Chief Deputy Coroner Robert Bellas.
Swatt was a staff member for Joe Pittman, the former chief deputy to state Sen. Don White and current senator-elect to replace White in the 41st District. Pittman is scheduled to be sworn in Monday. The district includes most of eastern Butler County.
Pittman issued a statement in a wake of Swatt's death.
“Brian Swatt was an outstanding member of my team, but also a close friend,” the statement said. “He worked side-by-side with me throughout my campaign and began working for my district office just four days ago. His tragic death had left us shaken and distraught. He was a charismatic young man who always went above and beyond. His ambition and dedication to serving our community helped to make a difference in the lives around him.”
Armstrong County coroner personnel notified Swatt's family prior to news of the crash being released.
Swatt was an Indiana University of Pennsylvania student.
“Brian led with integrity and intelligence, and we are grateful to have had him serve on the Board of Governors. He will be missed terribly. This loss is felt by everyone at the State System of Higher Education, and our hearts and prayers are with the Swatt family and the entire Indiana University of Pennsylvania community,” said Cindy Shapira, chairman of Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education board of governors, and Dan Greenstein, chancellor, in a joint statement.
