Beloved Bedford, PA Racer Joseph ‘Joe’ Means, 46, Dies in Truck Accident on Pennsylvania Turnpike, Survived by Wife Amanda and Two Sons

October 16, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on October 16, 2026

Joe Means, a native of Bedford, Pennsylvania, and beloved racer, passed away on Tuesday, October 14, 2026, just six days shy of his 47th birthday, in a tragic accident.

According to the Pennsylvania State Police, Joseph “Joe” Means died after his truck collided with a concrete barrier and a bridge pier, then caught fire on the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

The 46-year-old was driving an empty tri-axle truck at approximately 2:40 a.m. when he lost control while navigating a curve near milepost 134.5 in Juniata Township.

The truck first struck and partially mounted a concrete barrier before continuing eastward, ultimately hitting a bridge pier and igniting. The vehicle then overturned onto its driver’s side, coming to rest while blocking both eastbound lanes.

Joe, the sole occupant of the truck, was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities continue to investigate the accident.

Furthemore, the untimely death of Joe Means has left a profound void in the lives of his family, friends, and loved ones.

Joe Means touched the lives of many with his amazing racing skills, winning several honorable titles racing at Bedford Speedway.He was also the owner and operator of Means Trucking.

Joe Means is Survived By His Longtime Wife, Amanda Means, Two Sons, and Entire Family

In addition to being an amazing racer, Joe Means was a great husband to his longtime wife, Amanda Means.

While Amanda hasn’t released any statement regarding the untimely death of Joe Means, she often shares pictures of him on social media, expressing her love and pride.

The couple also raised their two sons to be successful in their respective fields.

Very little information is available about their eldest son, as he prefers to maintain a low profile; however, their youngest son, Bradlee Means, is following in his late father’s footsteps in the racing world.

Bradlee is a fourth-generation driver and a renowned semi-late model race car driver who continues to carry on his father’s legacy in racing in the Bedford community.

He also became the first racer in his family to win semi-late racing in Bedford Speedway.

In addition to being an amazing racer, Joe’s son, Bradlee Means, is also a skilled athlete who played varsity soccer at Bedford High School.

Joe Means is also survived by his siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews, and the entire family.

In Case You Didn’t Know

• Joseph ‘Joe’ Lee Means was born on October 20, 1978.
• His family has organized a memorial service for Joe Means on Sunday, October 19, 2026, at Akers Funeral Home, 299 Raytown Road, Everett, PA. Visitation time is from 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.
• The Celebration of Life will take place on the same day at 5:00 PM.

• Check other Articles on
• Joe Means

Suruchi is a business management student with a strong passion for writing, particularly when it comes to sports. She loves creating articles and blogs that explore various aspects of the sports world. With a curious mind and a love for both academics and creativity, she constantly seeks to expand her knowledge and share her insights through her writing.

Related articles

Slatington, Pennsylvania Community Mourns Local Dirt Bike...

November 28, 2026

2019 Track Champion Jamie Garner Passed Away,...

November 27, 2026

Fredericksburg, VA Community Mourns Newtown Dragway Racing...

November 20, 2026

Terre Haute, Indiana Track Owner Nick Agresta,...

October 28, 2026

Comments

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Comment: Please enter your comment! Name:* Please enter your name here Email:* You have entered an incorrect email address! Please enter your email address here

Δ

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Share article

Youth Football Game Turns Violent After Mother Steps Onto Field and Kicks Player

- May 8, 20260 What was supposed to be a normal Saturday of youth football quickly became something no parent, coach, or child should ever have to witness....Read more Athlete

Jordan Haas, A Student-Athlete At Chatham University Passed Away At The Age of 21

- May 7, 20260 Jordan Haas a student athlete at Chatham University, passed away on Monday. He majored in psychology and was a member of the men's volleyball...Read more News

Adairsville Cracker Barrel Witness Calls Police After Man Repeatedly Slaps Toddler in Public

- May 7, 20260 A routine shopping trip at the Adairsville Cracker Barrel turned into a deeply disturbing scene recently when a local woman witnessed what she described...Read more Athlete

Edinburg High School Student-Athlete Sebastian Garcia’s Untimely passing Has Shocked Entire Community

- May 6, 20260 A student-athlete at Edinburg High School, Sebastian Garcia, passed away after a long battle with cancer. Sebastian was a member of the Edinburgh Runnin' Bobcats...Read more News

Former Berkshire Baseball Coach Steve Smetana Arrested for Rape of 12-Year-Old Girl in Parma Heights

- May 6, 20260 A former baseball coach with deep ties to the Geauga County sports community has been arrested and charged with the rape of a child,...Read more