Fundraiser established for Somerset County man killed while protecting grandmother

Friends and family of a 30-year-old Somerset County man who was shot and killed while attempting to break up a weekend domestic altercation between his grandparents set up a GoFundMe account to benefit his family.

Joshua Cale Hillegas was shot and killed about 10:30 p.m. June 14, shortly after arriving at his grandparents’ residence along Beam Church Road in Jenner Township, according to state police. Hillegas’s grandmother, Barbara Supanick, 75, called him for help after learning her husband, Ray Edward Supanick, 80, entered a gun cabinet during a domestic argument.

Troopers in Somerset, who were also called, said Hillegas was fatally shot as he attempted to disarm his grandfather. Hillegas was pronounced dead at the scene.

The GoFundMe page says Hillegas, known in the Boswell area as “Dootie,” is a hero for his efforts to save his grandmother.

“Josh intervened in a situation that tragically took his life. His actions saved a life and he will be known as a hero. He left behind a beautiful family, including two daughters, five and two years old, as well as a loving and devoted wife,” the GoFundMe page states.

Donations will go directly to his wife, Brooke, and children, Sadieand Maggie , the page states.

In less than 24 hours after it was created Wednesday, more than $7,000 of the $10,000 goal had been donated.

Ray Supanick is charged with criminal homicide, aggravated assault, harassment, possessing instruments of crime, reckless endangerment and making terroristic threats.

Supanick is being held without bond pending a preliminary hearing June 26, according to court dockets.

Visitation for Hillegas is 2 to 8 p.m. today at Hoffman Funeral Home and Cremation in Boswell. Services are 11 a.m. Friday at Freedom in Christ Community Church in Somerset.