Officials have identified a 61-year-old Pennsylvania man who died after being struck by a falling rock at a quarry earlier this week.
The Westmoreland County Coroner’s Office said the victim was James Gershman of Indiana, Pa. The accident happened around 3:40 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 2, at a Heidelberg Materials facility in Derry Township. Gershman passed away about two hours later, at 5:47 p.m.
According to the coroner’s report, Gershman was working in a mineshaft when a large rock fell from above and struck him. His exact cause and manner of death will be determined through autopsy and toxicology testing.
The coroner’s office said the Pennsylvania State Police’s Kiski station is investigating. A spokesperson for Heidelberg Materials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Inspectors from the Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) are also reviewing the incident. “Under the Mine Act, which created MSHA, mine operators are responsible for the health and safety of miners. If MSHA finds violations during its investigation, the agency will carry out enforcement actions,” a spokesperson said.
Gershman’s obituary noted that he had worked at the company for many years. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, and his son, Travis.
“In his spare time, Jim enjoyed fishing and metal detecting. He liked to tinker and build things. He loved country music and being with his family,” the obituary said. “He was a member of the Indiana MOOSE and the Blairsville Masonic Lodge.”
His family also shared that “he will be sadly missed by his dogs, Snoopy and Copper.”
