Coroner: Unity woman died of head, torso injuries after fall into sinkhole

Elizabeth Pollard died of head and torso injuries, according to Westmoreland County Coroner Tim Carson, who released the 64-year-old Unity resident’s preliminary autopsy report Monday.

Pollard was searching for her cat Dec. 2 behind Monday’s Union Restaurant in Unity when he ground gave way beneath her, and she fell straight down about 30 feet into a sinkhole that opened into the abandoned Marguerite Mine.

Pollard’s body was recovered Friday about 12 feet southwest of the sinkhole where she fell, authorities said.

There’s no way of knowing whether Pollard died in the fall or afterward, Carson said.

Toxicology results from Pollard’s autopsy weren’t finished.

The mine, operated by the H.C. Frick Coke Co., last operated in 1952 and spans 48 acres underground.

The state Department of Environmental Protection is working to stabilize and fill the sinkhole and mine subsidence site.

The DEP said its Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation “will be overseeing emergency work to fill the excavated area at the incident site, drill and pump cement-like grout to stabilize the Marguerite Mine void in the immediate area to prevent additional subsidence and eliminate the hazard.”

Family members said Pollard’s pride and joy was helping to raise her granddaughter after tragedy struck the family in January with the death of her 28-year-old son, Brandon.

Family members said Elizabeth Pollard previously worked at Walmart in Hempfield. She struggled with health and mobility issues, although neither prevented her from doting on her granddaughter and being a constant presence in her community.

Leo M. Bacha Funeral Home in Pleasant Unity will be handling funeral arrangements. There was no word if services will be public or private.

Related:

• Unity woman, victim of sinkhole tragedy, remembered for dedication to family, concern for neighbors
• Grief, relief felt as Unity woman's remains recovered from sinkhole
• Coal, once king in Pennsylvania, leaves behind abandoned mines that pose concerns

Renatta Signorini and Patrick Varine are TribLive staff writers. She can be reached at rsignorini@triblive.com. He can be reached at pvarine@triblive.com.