Carbondale Man Killed in Rollover Crash on Casey Highway; Dog Still Missing
LACKAWANNA COUNTY, Pa. — State police have released new details about a devastating rollover crash on the Casey Highway that claimed the life of Michael Propes, 35, of Carbondale, on the evening of Thursday, September 4, 2025.
The crash occurred around 5:30 p.m. near the Meredith Street exit ramp, close to mile marker 12. Witnesses told investigators that the vehicle driven by Propes was traveling at a high rate of speed, weaving between other cars moments before the crash.
According to the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), Propes made a sudden right-hand turn, which caused him to lose control of the vehicle. The car veered off the shoulder, striking a light pole and then colliding with a concrete base. The violent impact caused the vehicle to overturn, coming to rest on its roof.
Authorities reported that Propes was ejected from the vehicle during the crash. Emergency responders rushed him to Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton, where he was later pronounced dead.
Adding another layer of heartbreak to the tragedy, officials confirmed that Propes’ white Pitbull puppy, named Storm, was also in the vehicle at the time of the crash. The dog was last seen on an embankment near the Meredith Street off-ramp. As of now, Storm’s whereabouts remain unknown, leaving family, friends, and animal advocates deeply concerned.
Lackawanna County Coroner Timothy Rowland confirmed Propes’ identity late Thursday night and emphasized the violent nature of the crash. He also noted that locating Storm has become a priority for loved ones, who are desperately hoping the young dog survived and can be safely found.
The Pennsylvania State Police continue to investigate the circumstances leading to the wreck, including the possibility that speed and driver error were major contributing factors.
Local residents familiar with the stretch of highway described it as dangerous, particularly near exit ramps where sudden lane changes and speeding often lead to close calls. The crash has renewed calls for increased patrols and public awareness around aggressive driving behaviors on the Casey Highway.
For the community of Carbondale, the news of Propes’ death is devastating. Friends have described him as a man who loved animals and enjoyed spending time outdoors. Now, in the wake of his sudden passing, those who knew him are mourning while also joining the search effort for Storm.
Authorities are asking anyone who may have seen the white Pitbull in the area near Meredith Street to contact state police immediately.
“This is a heartbreaking situation,” one local resident said. “We’re praying they find Storm safe and bring him back to the family.”
The investigation into the fatal rollover remains ongoing.