GoFundMe launched for SRU student killed while returning to school
Friends of Austin Golab, a 22-year-old Slippery Rock University student who died Thursday, Jan. 15, while returning to school from Erie, launched a GoFundMe to support his family.
The GoFundMe in its first five days had raised $28,306 from 412 donations as of Wednesday morning.
Golab was killed in a multi-vehicle crash between his vehicle and two semi-trucks on I-79 in Jackson Township, Mercer County.
“To those who knew him, he wasn't just a friend or a relative; he was the person who could find a reason to smile regardless of the situation,” the GoFundMe said. “He was hardworking, caring, and deeply devoted to the people he loved.”
Golab was studying cybersecurity at SRU and had also completed a semester at Gannon University in Erie. He was most recently employed at AHN Saint Vincent Hospital in Erie in the dietary department.
Golab served as a specialist in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, Bravo Company, according to the fundraiser. He was deployed to Kenya in 2024 with the United States National Guard, 1st Platoon Weapons Squad and was the team lead for Blacksheep Company, according to his obituary.
Funds raised will go toward funeral and memorial costs, medical and transport expenses and general financial support, according to the fundraiser.
“Austin’s life was worth more than any amount of money, but your donations will allow his family to focus on honoring his memory without the added stress of mounting expenses,” the GoFundMe said.
