By Chuck Brittain

Published: Tuesday, June 12, 2012, 12:28 a.m.
Updated: Tuesday, June 12, 2012

A former Donegal Township supervisor was killed Monday afternoon in a farm-related accident.

Floyd G. Snyder Jr. died Monday while doing what he loved most: farming.

Snyder, 55, was killed when the tractor he was operating flipped over, caught fire and trapped him.

According to the Deputy Coroner John Ackerman of the Westmoreland County Coroner's office, Snyder was driving a tractor raking hay just before 2 p.m. when the accident occurred.

Ackerman said Snyder died of thermal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene at 3 p.m. The fire was accelerated by leaking diesel fuel, according to a press release by the coroner's office. An autopsy will not be performed.

Ackerman said the manner of death was ruled an accident.

The incident occurred at a field along 477 Jones Mills-Stahlstown Road in Donegal Township.

Henry Hoffer, a current Donegal Township supervisor, worked with Snyder for 10 years before Snyder lost a bid in 2009 for a third term. Hoffer said yesterday he and Snyder shared a good working relationship and a strong commitment to serving Donegal Township.

"Floyd was a hard worker. He was willing to help anyone and everyone," Hoffer said. "He cared very much about his job (as supervisor), and he loved farming."

Snyder Funeral Home of Ligonier will be handling funeral arrangements.

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