Ridgway, PA – A PennDOT worker in Elk County was killed Monday when his truck drifted backward, pinning him underneath.
State Police in Ridgway say 51-year-old Timothy Fitch from Wilcox had been offloading highway construction equipment around 12:30 Monday afternoon.
He had exited the cab of his PennDOT tractor trailer in a pull-off near the 33000 block of Portland Mills Road.
The truck drifted backwards for unknown reasons.
Fitch had been standing between the truck and a disconnected low-boy trailer. He could not get out of the way in time.
Troopers say the truck’s tires rolled over Fitch, pinning him to the ground.
A passing driver stopped and attempted to help Fitch by moving the truck forward. However, Fitch succumbed to injuries to his lower body.
He was pronounced dead at the scene by the Elk County coroner.
Visitation for Timothy Fitch will be held at the Ubel Funeral Home in Johnsonburg on Tuesday, June 22 from 4 until 6 p.m.
A funeral service will be held at Ubel Funeral Home immediately after the viewing at 6 p.m. Tuesday.
Commonwealth flags have been ordered to half staff in Elk County in his memory until sunset Saturday.
Click Here to read the online police report.
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Click Here to read Timothy Fitch’s obituary, provided by Ubel Funeral Home.
Timothy F. Fitch, age 51, of Sugar Bush Rd, Wilcox, PA, died as a result of an injury sustained at work, on June 14, 2021. A son of Philip and Patricia (Boults) Fitch of Wilcox, he was born on November 5, 1969 in Ridgway, PA. On August 11, 1995 he married Noreen E. (Buzard) who survives in Wilcox.
Along with his parents and his wife, Tim is survived by: three children, Libby (Alex Brong) Buzard of Palmyra, PA, Caroline Fitch of Wilcox, and Sean Fitch of Wilcox; a grandson, Maxwell Brong; and three brothers, Fred (Dee) Fitch of Roulette, PA, Mike (JoAnn) Fitch of Duncansville, PA, and Jeff (Jessica) Fitch of St. Thomas, VI.
Tim was predeceased by: his grandparents, Fred and Gertrude Fitch, and Francis and Elizabeth Boults.
Tim lived most of his life in Wilcox and graduated from Johnsonburg Schools. He served in the US Army during the Persian Gulf War, receiving the Southwest Asia Service Medal with two Stars, Army Achievement Medal, second award, and Army Commendation Medal, among other ribbons and medals. He worked as an Equipment Operator for Penn Dot for many years; was Chairman of the Wilcox Fishing Derby, active with the Jones Township Recreation Board, was an avid outdoorsman, past Boy Scout Master, active with the Boy Scouts; enjoyed drag races and the Veterans Hunt by Pheasants Forever.
The family will be receiving friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at the Ubel Funeral Home of Johnsonburg, PA.
Funeral Services will be held at 6:00 p.m., Tuesday at the Funeral Home with Father Justin Pino.
Military Honors will be accorded by the Johnsonburg/Ridgway Servicemen’s Detail. Military members are asked to assemble at the funeral home, Tuesday, 6:00 p.m.
The family suggests memorials to the Jones Township Recreation Board and will be accepting online condolences at www.nedzafamilyfuneralhomes.com.
