The state trooper from Butler who was struck by a vehicle last week on Parkway West in Allegheny County was identified Wednesday, Aug. 30.

The injured trooper was Josh Osche, son of Butler County Commissioner Leslie Osche and her husband, Jim. Josh works for Troop D, Butler, in criminal investigations.

According to Osche, her son is still in the hospital recovering, and is expected to undergo surgery.

“It’s going to be a long road,” she said. “But he is very tough and very determined.”

According to Lt. Adam Reed, a spokesperson for state police out of the Harrisburg office, Josh stopped to assist at a crash scene on the road just after midnight Thursday, Aug. 24, when he was struck.

“He stopped to help, he came upon (the crash). Just like we naturally do, he stopped to assist,” he said.

Though off-duty, Osche said Josh put on a reflective vest, called 911, and was setting out flares along the roadside when he was hit.

“He knew he was in a bad situation and tried to drag himself to the side of the road,” she said.

A tow truck driver, who also stopped along the road, was the one who pulled Josh to safety.

“I keep reiterating that the tow truck driver is the hero in the story,” Osche said. “Had he not done that, (Josh) wouldn’t be here today.”

Once on the side of the road, Osche said Josh realized he still had his phone, and called in his own crash report, requesting an ambulance for himself.

“He called in the first accident, then when he was hit, he called in his own accident,” she said. “He was going through the motions.”

Josh suffered injuries to both of his legs, according to Osche. She said her family was grateful for the support they have received.

“I can’t say enough about the family of state police and the community support for us and him,” she said. “Only by the grace of God through that truck driver is he here today.”

The crash is still under investigation. According to Reed, charges were not filed against the driver who is allegedly responsible for the pedestrian crash.

This story was updated Aug. 31, 2023 to reflect that the driver involved in the pedestrian crash is not facing charges. A previous version of this story cited Reed as saying charges were pending.