Penn Hills construction worker's death in fall through Pine-Richland High School roof ruled accidental
A construction worker from Penn Hills died after falling through the roof at Pine-Richland High School, the school district confirmed Thursday.
Joseph Gazzo, 44, died at a hospital Thursday morning after falling, according to the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The medical examiner’s office announced late Friday that death was accidental.
“The district has learned that the worker involved in the high school construction accident has passed away. We extend our thoughts and condolences to his family and loved ones,” a spokesperson for Pine-Richland School District said in a statement to Tribune-Review news partner WTAE.
Police said the man fell through a hole that had been cut for HVAC purposes, WTAE reported. The school is undergoing renovation work on its gym.
The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Northern Regional Police department are investigating.
A GoFundMe for Gazzo has been established. Funds would go toward his burial and other expenses, it stated.
“Gone before his time, he lived and died helping others,” it read.
Editor’s note: Officials identified Gazzo as a Verona resident, but he lived in a section of Penn Hills that has a Verona mailing address. This story has been updated to reflect that.
Kellen Stepler is a TribLive reporter covering the Allegheny Valley and Burrell school districts and surrounding areas. He joined the Trib in April 2023. He can be reached at kstepler@triblive.com.
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