State police in Greensburg are trying to identify a motorist who struck and killed a pedestrian early Tuesday in East Huntingdon and then fled.
The Westmoreland County Coroner’s office and state police remained at the scene along Mt. Pleasant Connellsville Road. Trooper Stephen Limani said Robert “Bobby” Sheele, 64, of Mt. Pleasant was pronounced dead at the scene.
“We don’t know who did it, but we’re asking anyone who may know something to call us. We believe it happened between 6 and 7 a.m. and the driver fled south,” Limani said.
Initial indications are the man was walking along the Coal and Coke Trail and was crossing the road when he was hit, Limani said.
Ashley Hixson, who lives along the two-lane highway, said she let her dogs out about 7 a.m. when she noticed someone laying in the yard next to her house.
“I immediately called 911 because you could tell he wasn’t breathing,” Hixson said.
There appeared to be no skid marks along the highway. She said hikers frequently walk the trail.
“It’s a very busy road. It doesn’t surprise me they went because people fly down this road,” Hixson said.
Rose Sheele, the victim’s sister-in-law, came to the scene about noon after receiving word of the man’s death from family members.
“I just can’t believe this happened. I just can’t believe it,” Sheele said.
She said Bobby Sheele was a regular on the trail about the same time every day, rain or shine.
“He loved doing it. He didn’t care what the weather was like … he walked,” Sheele said.
Limani said Bobby Sheele was wearing an orange jacket, dark pants and appeared to be carrying a flashlight.
“Your chances of solving cases like this go significantly downward if we don’t get the information out right away,” he said.
He asked any auto repair shop or body shops to keep an eye out for a vehicle coming in that appears to have damage that may be related.
Anyone with information is asked to call state police at 724-832-3288.
