John Michael Woodburn Car Accident: Bethlehem Man, John Michael Woodburn Died on Route 22 wrong-Way Car Accident
Andrew Walker
Updated on March 23, 2026
John Michael Woodburn Car Accident: Bethlehem Man, John Michael Woodburn, Died on Route 22 wrong-Way Car Accident
John Michael Woodburn Car Accident: In a tragic incident on Thursday morning, a fatal shooting occurred on Route 22, resulting in the loss of John Michael Woodburn, a 22-year-old resident of Bethlehem. The unfortunate event was triggered by a pickup truck driver traveling in the wrong direction, as reported by the state police.
Northampton County Coroner Zachary Lysek officially identified the victim, John Michael Woodburn, who was operating a 1997 Honda Civic at the time of the incident. The cause of death was determined to be multiple blunt force traumas, with the manner of death being classified as an accident, according to Coroner Lysek’s findings.
The devastating crash unfolded around 10:40 a.m. on the eastbound lanes of Route 22 and involved three vehicles, comprising two pickup trucks and a passenger vehicle. Trooper Nathan Branosky of the Pennsylvania State Police arrived at the scene shortly after the incident took place.
Tragically, John Michael Woodburn was pronounced dead at the scene by the county coroner, while the two other drivers involved were transported to St. Luke’s Anderson for treatment of their injuries. The drivers were identified as a 58-year-old man from Summit Hill, who had been driving the wrong way in a red Silverado, and a 76-year-old man from Wind Gap, who was operating a black Silverado.
Investigative reports suggest that the Summit Hill man was travelling southbound on Route 33 North and subsequently exited at the Route 22 interchange, heading west onto Route 22 East, ultimately leading to the catastrophic collision.
Authorities from the Pennsylvania State Police are actively seeking witnesses who may have observed the red Chevrolet Silverado before the crash or possess video footage of the vehicle travelling in the wrong direction. They are urged to contact the Pennsylvania State Police Bethlehem Station at 610-861-2026 and reference Incident Number PA2023-1306267.
The investigation into this tragic incident remains ongoing as authorities work diligently to uncover further details surrounding the events that led to this fatal shooting on Route 22 in Bethlehem Township, Pennsylvania.