Greenwich Township, PA – A tragic accident on Interstate 78 has claimed the life of 49-year-old Jymel Dejuan Smith of Clermont, Florida. The fatal incident occurred on Friday, August 23, 2024, around 5 p.m. as Smith, a tractor trailer driver, had parked his vehicle on the right-hand shoulder of I-78 westbound near mile marker 41.5.
Smith had exited his truck and was standing outside when he was struck by a passing vehicle. The driver of the vehicle, identified as 42-year-old Akhmadkhon V. Ubaykhonov from Philadelphia, failed to stop after the collision and did not report the incident to the authorities. The Pennsylvania State Police quickly located Ubaykhonov’s vehicle and took him into custody.
The hit-and-run has shocked the community, with many expressing their grief and anger on social media. Summers Winter shared, “Jymel was a very hardworking man… loved by all… he was a damn good man, forever in my heart. I love you forever.” Rain Pelote-Ponder added, “I’m still in disbelief. This is hitting his Masonic family extremely hard. He was a great brother, father, friend, and human. RIP Jymel.”
Chris Noll highlighted the dangers on the road, stating, "Prime example of the move over law shouldn’t be for just emergency personnel. It should be for anyone on the side of the road."
The Pennsylvania State Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, urging anyone with additional information to come forward. The loss of Jymel Dejuan Smith serves as a somber reminder of the importance of road safety and the responsibilities of all drivers.