Noel Soto and his family.

By Jillian Pikora From Daily Voice

A motorcyclist killed in a crash with a trash truck that shut down Route 322 in Swatara Township has been identified as 37-year-old Noel Soto, according to a GoFundMe launched by his family.

The crash happened just before 5 a.m. on Wednesday, July 23 at the intersection of Witmer Drive and Paxton Street/Route 322, PennDOT spokesperson Fritzi Schreffler said.

Soto, of Bethlehem, was riding his motorcycle when he collided with a trash truck. He died at the scene. The trash truck driver was transported to Hershey Medical Center for treatment, though their condition has not been released.

Soto is survived by his parents Ana and Mariano Sr., his siblings Mariano and Cecilia, and his three daughters: Odyssey, Niya, and Neela. “Noel was more than just a brother and son — he was a loyal father, friend, a generous soul, and someone who brought light and laughter wherever he went,” the family wrote in the fundraiser.

The GoFundMe campaign aims to raise $9,000 for funeral expenses and has collected over $1,000 so far. Donations can be made here.

All westbound lanes of Route 322/Paxton Street remain closed between Mushroom Hill Road and the intersection of Chambers Hill Road, 82nd Street, Grayson Road, and Hilton Street until around 8 a.m., according PennDOT’s 511PA traffic map.

The stretch of Route 322 has been under construction for months with redesigned intersections and altered traffic patterns.