James Gershman Obituary, Death; – A man has lost his life after officials reported that he became trapped underground by a substantial rock that fell onto his legs while he was working inside a mineshaft in Derry Township, Westmoreland County, on Tuesday afternoon.
Westmoreland County dispatch initially confirmed to Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 that emergency personnel were present at Derry Construction, located within the 320 block of Quarry Road, following reports of a man being trapped underground by a 500-pound rock that had fallen at the site.
Derry Township Fire Chief Pientiene later verified to Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 that the man succumbed to injuries sustained during the incident.
Sky 4, Pittsburgh’s sole news helicopter, was overhead at the scene where numerous first responders were observed evaluating the area.
In the aftermath of the incident, Westmoreland County Coroner Tim Carson stated in a release that the man was engaged in work within a mine shaft when a large rock collapsed.
The deceased has been identified as James Gershman, 61, from Indiana, Pennsylvania. Carson indicated that the cause and manner of death will be disclosed following the completion of an autopsy and toxicology tests.
Pennsylvania State Police are currently conducting an investigation into the circumstances that led to the incident.
