On July 1, a tragic incident on Interstate 81 in Schuylkill County resulted in the death of a state trooper, drawing attention to the circumstances surrounding the crash. Michael Bon, the driver of the tractor-trailer involved, is now facing serious charges. Despite the gravity of the situation, Bon’s defense attorney, John Waldron, suggests that an untreated medical condition may have contributed to the accident.
Waldron, representing Bon, a Haitian national residing in Brockton, Massachusetts, is investigating whether a history of untreated seizures could have caused Bon to lose control of his vehicle. “My question to him and his family was, ‘Did you ever have seizures in the past? Did you ever suffer a seizure?’ His family said yes,” Waldron shared with WVIA News.
Legal and Immigration Status
Bon, 33, is charged with homicide by vehicle among other offenses. His immigration status has also been scrutinized, but Waldron insists it played no role in the crash. Bon was granted a “non-domiciled” commercial driver’s license (CDL) prior to a change in federal regulations earlier this year. Despite an order to leave the U.S., his CDL was legally obtained and renewed, according to information provided by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles.
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed Bon’s illegal status following the termination of his humanitarian parole in June 2025. However, Massachusetts officials verified that Bon was eligible for a CDL when he applied, supported by the federal SAVE database records.
Accident Details and Investigation
Trooper Michael Pahira Jr., a 20-year veteran, was killed while inspecting a vehicle on the shoulder of I-81. Bon’s vehicle struck Pahira’s parked truck, leading to a fire that trapped the trooper. The road conditions were clear, and Pahira’s emergency lights were activated at the time of the crash.
Bon, traveling from New Hampshire to Texas, reportedly stopped in New York to rest and refuel before continuing his journey. Waldron emphasized that Bon was not under the influence of any substances and that mechanical issues with the truck were unlikely, according to its owner.
Bon’s Perspective and Medical History
Bon claims he cannot recall the moments leading up to the crash. “He doesn’t remember veering off. He doesn’t remember making contact with anything,” Waldron stated. Construction workers nearby attempted to assist Pahira, but their efforts were in vain.
Waldron highlighted Bon’s past seizures, explaining that Bon received no formal medical treatment in Haiti, relying instead on traditional remedies. Bon’s seizures were reportedly absent during his time in the U.S. “With seizures, you know, they kind of come out of the blue,” Waldron noted.
Following the crash, Bon received hospital treatment for a head injury. He remains in Schuylkill County Prison on $700,000 bail, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for August 26.
