NJ Native Motorcyclist Dad Caused Crash That Killed Him, PA DA Says

New details have been released in four Lehigh Valley crashes, revealing that the three fatal crashes were caused by the drivers and were possibly preventable. This includes the death of a New Jersey native, District Attorney Gavin P. Holihan said on Monday, Oct. 14.

Jorge Pickett , 34, originally of Camden, NJ , and most recently of Bethlehem, rode his motorcycle "through a steady red light for westbound traffic on Center Valley Parkway" fatally striking an SUV around 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 4 at West Saucon Valley Circle and Center Valley Parkway in Upper Saucon Township, the DA detailed. Daily Voice reported on the crash the day after it happened when the Lehigh County Coroner Daniel Buglio identified him.

Allen Cassaday, 32, of Center Valley, had been turning left from eastbound Center Valley Parkway into the western entrance to the Promenade Shoppes at the time, according to the DA. Both Cassaday and his wife in the front passenger seat were seriously injured in the crash.

"An investigation determined Pickett was at fault," the DA said.

The DA concluded:

"We are releasing these details to make the public aware of the serious consequences that occur when someone is driving recklessly or speeding. Not only do they put themselves at risk, but they endanger the lives of others not engaging in risky behavior."

Jorge was born in Camden, NJ, but was raised in Bethlehem and studied at Northampton Community College, according to his social media.

"He was a supervisor at Old Dominion Trucking Company," as stated in his obituary posted by Herron Funeral Home.

He is survived by his wife, son, daughter, mom, and extended family, as Daily Voice previously reported.

His community has rallied for his family.

Thank you so much Nicole Pickett and Maralyn Pickett-Vasquez for letting me say the eulogy for Jorge Pickett. I could...

Posted by Joshua Caldero on Saturday, October 12, 2024

Nearly $10,000 was raised on a GoFundMe to help cover the funeral expenses.

His funeral was held on Friday, Oct. 11.

There were several other serious crashes the DA gave updates on. Click here to read about the CEO who caused the crash that led to his death.

Click here to read about the fatal crash where the car was found empty.

Click here to read about the teens injured by speeding in a stolen car.