On a warm July evening in 2025, tragedy unfolded on North Greengate Road near College Avenue in Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. Nineteen-year-old Jayden Lynch, riding his e-bike, was struck and killed in a hit-and-run incident that has since gripped the local community and left law enforcement on a determined search for justice. The man at the center of this case, 37-year-old William Sever from Jeannette, now faces a slew of serious charges as authorities piece together the events of that fateful night.
According to Pennsylvania State Police, Sever was behind the wheel of a vehicle that struck Lynch on July 31, 2025. The impact proved fatal, and Sever did not remain at the scene. Instead, he left Lynch behind and drove away, setting off a frantic investigation that would draw on both modern technology and old-fashioned detective work. As reported by multiple outlets, including the Westmoreland County District Attorney's Office and local news, Sever is now wanted on several charges, including accidents involving death, duty to give information or render aid, tampering with evidence, and driving without a license.
The details of the crash, as pieced together by investigators, reveal a chilling sequence of events. Lynch was riding his electric bike along North Greengate Road when he was struck by a vehicle. Two drivers who arrived shortly after the incident stopped to help, but, unfortunately, neither had witnessed the crash itself. Their only contribution was a vague description of a vehicle seen pulling away onto Route 130, a clue that, while limited, would later prove valuable.
What truly turned the case, however, was the physical evidence left at the scene. The suspect's bumper had fallen off during the collision—a crucial mistake. State police were able to use this piece of the vehicle to identify its make and model, setting in motion a high-tech search that would span several days. By leveraging traffic cameras and license plate readers, authorities tracked the vehicle to a residence in Jeannette.
When troopers executed a search warrant at the home, they found both the vehicle's owner and William Sever hiding inside. The owner of the car, who shared the residence with Sever, told police he had loaned his car to Sever on the evening of the crash. This admission, combined with mounting evidence, quickly put Sever in the crosshairs of the investigation.
Investigators were thorough in their pursuit of the truth. They analyzed Sever's cell phone data, which, along with witness accounts, placed him at the scene of the fatal incident. According to state police, "Sever’s cell phone records and witness statements place him at the scene of the wreck." This digital trail, coupled with the physical evidence, left little doubt about who had been behind the wheel that night.
Further complicating Sever's legal predicament was the fact that he was driving with a suspended license at the time of the crash. The Westmoreland County District Attorney's Office confirmed that Sever's license had been suspended due to a prior conviction for driving under the influence, a detail that underscores the gravity of the charges now facing him. Sever is accused not only of causing a fatal accident but of doing so while already barred from driving—a fact that has sparked outrage and concern among local residents.
The attempt to conceal the crime did not end with Sever's flight from the scene. When police found the vehicle, they noticed duct tape on the driver's side mirror, a clear indication that Sever had tried to hide the damage from the collision. This act of tampering with evidence is one of several charges now leveled against him, highlighting the lengths to which Sever allegedly went to avoid responsibility.
The charges against Sever are extensive. In addition to accidents involving death and tampering with evidence, he faces counts related to his duty to give information or render aid—a legal obligation for any driver involved in a crash, especially one resulting in injury or death. Driving without a license, given his previous DUI conviction, only adds to the severity of the case. Authorities have been unwavering in their pursuit, urging anyone with information about Sever's whereabouts to contact state police in Greensburg at 724-832-3288.
For the family and friends of Jayden Lynch, the case is a devastating blow. Lynch, just 19 years old, had his life cut short in a manner that many in the community have described as senseless and avoidable. The use of an e-bike—a mode of transportation growing in popularity among young people—adds a layer of poignancy to the tragedy, serving as a grim reminder of the vulnerability of cyclists and the responsibilities of drivers on the road.
The investigation, as reported by both state police and the district attorney's office, has been marked by a combination of community tips, forensic analysis, and digital tracking. The use of traffic cameras and license plate readers was instrumental in locating the suspect vehicle. This blend of technology and traditional policing reflects broader trends in law enforcement, where digital evidence is increasingly central to solving complex cases.
While Sever was located and identified at the Jeannette residence, authorities have continued to seek public assistance in ensuring he is brought to justice. The call for tips is a testament to the challenges that can arise even in cases with substantial evidence. As of the latest reports, Sever remains wanted, and the search continues. Anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts is strongly encouraged to contact the authorities, a plea repeated by both state and local officials.
The case has also prompted conversations about road safety, licensing laws, and the consequences of driving under the influence. The fact that Sever was on the road despite a suspended license has fueled debate about enforcement and the effectiveness of current penalties. Community leaders and residents alike have expressed frustration, asking how someone with a history of DUI convictions was able to access a vehicle and, ultimately, cause such harm.
As the legal process unfolds, the memory of Jayden Lynch remains at the forefront. His death is a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the responsibilities that come with operating a vehicle. For many in Westmoreland County, the hope is that justice will be served and that lessons will be learned to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
With the investigation ongoing, state police continue to urge anyone with information to step forward. The community, meanwhile, mourns the loss of a young life and waits for accountability in a case that has left a lasting mark on Hempfield Township and beyond.
