Pitcairn police chief mourns brother killed in car crash involving off-duty state trooper
PITCAIRN, Pa. (KDKA) — The family of a Pitcairn man who died in a car crash last week is speaking out.
State police confirmed to KDKA-TV on Monday that an off-duty trooper crashed into Johnny Farally's vehicle in Westmoreland County on Aug. 17, killing the man.
Pitcairn Police Chief Scott Farally said his family is devastated and hurting.
"He meant everything," the chief said. "He was my big brother."
Scott said his family is still stunned that Johnny, a father, grandfather and Glassport volunteer firefighter, died tragically.
"He would be the type of guy that you can hurt him," Scott said. "He would get back up and shake your hand. He was just caring and loving."
The chief said on Aug. 17 just after 6 a.m., his brother was on his way to work when he was killed. Johnny was stopped in the right curb lane at a red light on Route 66 in Salem Township when 27-year-old Tyler Striini slammed into him.
"Johnny pretty much never gained consciousness," Scott said. "They took him in as a trauma. I believe it was a brain stem injury."
Trooper Strini had minor injuries. State police said he was traveling home after his shift ended in Uniontown when the crash happened. There is no evidence suggesting the trooper was under the influence at the time, police said.
"What made this happen?" Scott said. "Were there cameras? Is there technology? There's black boxes. There are a lot of things that can be taken into consideration during the investigation and I'm trusting the system."
But the chief believes all the facts will come out in time.
"Am I hurting? Absolutely. Do I want to see justice? Yes, like everybody does," Scott said.
Strini is set to return to work later this week. State police said it will take some time to get a report to the Westmoreland County District Attorney's Office, which will then decide if any charges are filed.