State Rep. Dowling was in two car accidents in less than a year, now faces investigation
State Rep. Matthew Dowling is facing a state police investigation after a two-vehicle crash Saturday in Fayette County.
Dowling, a Uniontown Republican who represents portions of Somerset and Fayette counties in the 51st Legislative District, released a statement about the wreck Tuesday.
“As many know, on Oct. 6 of last year, I was in a horrific automobile accident brought on by medical issues related to my diabetes. While I am grateful to be alive, the injuries that I sustained were life changing," Dowling wrote. “Due to the physical injuries that I sustained in that accident, and the required medications that I am on to treat those injuries, my body no longer reacts as it did previously. I am facing a new physical normal that I must immediately adjust to in order to live everyday life as those around me do."
The one-vehicle accident Dowling refers to occurred in 2021 in Lancaster County while he was on his way to a Republican caucus event. He had fainted while behind the wheel because of medical condition with diabetes.
In the most recent crash, at about 1:40 p.m. Saturday, Dowling rear-ended another vehicle in South Union Township, according to a state police report.
He was then transported by ambulance from the scene to Uniontown Hospital because of a diabetic emergency, according to the report.
"Charges related to suspicion of DUI are pending analysis of the blood work results and related medical records," the report reads.
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In his statement, Dowling said he has been dealing with mental and physical trauma that has "manifested itself in disappointing behavior that I have faced in the past with respect to alcohol."
He added that he is thankful no one else was hurt in the most recent crash, and he apologized to his constituents and family.
“Please know that I take this matter very seriously and I have entered professional treatment to appropriately address any possible alcohol issues," he wrote. "I thank you for taking the time to listen and ask for your understanding. I would also ask everyone to respect the privacy of my family during this time as they should not suffer for my actions.”
Dowling communications coordinator Patricia Hippler said she could only provide limited information about the incident. She could not provide Dowling's current condition or where he was seeking treatment.
"He didn’t suffer any serious injuries as a result of the crash," she said.
In Somerset County, Dowling represents Addison, Elk Lick, Lower Turkeyfoot, Summit and Upper Turkeyfoot townships, and Addison, Confluence, Garrett, Meyersdale, Salisbury and Ursina boroughs.
That will change when a new redistricting map goes into effect on Dec. 1. He will then no longer represent any municipalities in Somerset County.
Follow Eric Kieta on Twitter @EricKietaDA.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Rep Dowling facing state police investigation after two-vehicle crash
