Hempfield Township, PA -- Pennsylvania State Police, in cooperation with the Westmoreland County District Attorney's Office, charged a Jeannette man accused of a hit-and-run accident that killed a young man on an E-Bike. 

William Sever, 37, is facing criminal charges of accidents involving death, duty to give information or render aid, tampering with evidence, and driving without a license, among other traffic-related offenses. 

Troopers said Sever was behind the wheel of the vehicle that struck and killed 19-year-old Jayden Lynch, of Jeannette in July. 

Lynch was on an E-Bike at the time of the accident on North Greengate Road near College Avenue in Hempfield Township when he was struck and killed. 

Two drivers pulled up to the scene shortly after impact but did not directly witness the accident and were only able to provide a vague description of a vehicle hitting its brakes and pulling away on Route 130. 

Investigators were able to use debris from the wreckage to identify the make and model of the vehicle believed to be involved. 

With the help of traffic cameras and license plate readers, police tracked down a wrecked vehicle to a residence in Jeannette with damage consistent with the accident. 

Troopers executed a search warrant and found the registered owner of the vehicle and Sever hiding inside of the residence. 

The owner of the vehicle allegedly told troopers he loaned the car to Sever on the evening of the crash. 

Troopers said surveillance video, Sever's cell phone data, and witness accounts tie Sever to being behind the wheel at the time and location of the accident. 

Troopers found duct tape on the driver's side mirror of the vehicle indicating Sever's attempt to conceal his actions, according to police. 

Sever had a suspended license as a result of a conviction for driving under the influence at the time of the accident. 

Sever was taken into custody on January 30, 2026. He was arraigned and denied bail. 

Disclaimer: To the extent that pending criminal matters are discussed, all such charges are merely accusations and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.