Pennsylvania State Trooper laid to rest after being fatally struck in Schuylkill County

Wednesday, July 8, 2026
BUTLER TWP., Pa. (WPVI) -- A Pennsylvania State Trooper who was killed in a crash on Interstate 81 was laid to rest on Wednesday.

Funeral services were held for Trooper Michael Pahira Jr. in Butler Township.



Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, along with State Police leaders and loved ones, was there to honor Trooper Pahira.

Trooper Pahira was fatally struck on I-81 last week by a tractor-trailer while conducting a safety inspection on another truck in Cass Township, Schuylkill County.

According to state police, a passing commercial vehicle hit Pahira while he was conducting the inspection with his emergency lights activated.



The alleged driver, 33-year-old Michael Bon, is facing homicide charges. He is being held on $700,000 bail.

Pahira, 44, was assigned to Troop L, Frackville, and had been with the state police for 20 years.
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