The Pittsburgh community is remembering Danielle Jackman, a 58-year-old resident of Churchill, following a tragic five-vehicle collision near the Fort Duquesne Bridge on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
Incident Summary
The accident occurred around 3:00 p.m. at the split of Route 65 and Route 28. According to investigators:
The Crash: A black SUV reportedly weaving through traffic at high speed struck several vehicles and concrete barriers before flipping over the bridge deck and falling approximately 30 feet onto Reedsdale Street below.
The Victims:
Michael Smith, 52, of Sheraden, was the driver of the SUV and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Danielle Jackman was heavily entrapped in her vehicle on the ramp above. First responders used the “jaws of life” to extricate her, but she passed away shortly after being transported to UPMC Mercy hospital.
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Remembrance and Caring Spirit
Jackman is being honored by those who knew her as a “caring spirit” who made a lasting impact on her workplace and community.
Professional Legacy: She worked for 25 years at a local restaurant just blocks away from where the accident took place. Her employer and colleagues have shared tributes highlighting her kindness and the void her passing leaves behind.
Final Moments: In a moving account shared by a witness, a stranger who stopped to help held Jackman’s hand and prayed with her in the moments following the crash, ensuring she was not alone before paramedics arrived.
Investigation
Pittsburgh Police Chief Jason Lando stated that the investigation is still in its early stages, though speed is believed to have been a significant factor in the violence of the collision. No other injuries were reported from the three other vehicles involved in the wreck.
