Crime & Safety

Tree Trimmer Electrocuted, Killed in Edgeworth

Authorities say the incident occurred near the elementary school.

A man was reportedly killed by live wires this afternoon while trimming trees on Chestnut Road in Edgeworth, near the .

The Allegheny County medical examiner's office has identified the victim as Chester Sipes 47, of Raccoon Township, Beaver County.

According to the Tribune Review, Sipes was working with D.L.S. Tree Service when he hit a power line while cutting a tree in the 400 block and was taken by ambulance to just before 2:30 p.m.

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 reported Sipes was later pronounced dead.

Edgeworth police Chief John English told the Trib the man was working in a bucket truck in a residential area at the time, and he tried unsuccessfully to lower the bucket to the ground.

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According to , precautions were taken to limit exposure of the incident to the students. The district sent out a letter notifying parents.

"A serious incident occurred near Edgeworth School that some may have witnessed," the letter states. "We thought you should know so that you are prepared in case your child mentions it." 

School officials said emergency vehicles were immediately called to the scene, which may have caused buses to be delayed this afternoon. 

QV pupil services staff, including school counselors are also on hand to meet with any students or staff who may have witnessed the incident. 

 

The school district released this statement Wednesday to parents: 

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are deeply saddened by the accident that unfolded today near the Edgeworth Elementary School, which ended in the tragic death of a man who was working on trimming trees in a neighboring property.  

We want to take this opportunity to reassure our families that all efforts to protect the safety of the children and staff were undertaken with great care and administered effectively during the afternoon.

We realize that tragedies are difficult for children and adults alike to process emotionally.   

Counselors will be on staff and support will be available for the children or any adult should the need exist for emotional support.  The following suggestions from the National Association of School Psychologists may assist in the management of the feelings and shock that accompany such observations of events. Tips for Parents and Teachers. 

Should your child or you need support to manage the emotional effects of this traumatic event, please contact Ms. Jessica Geis-Frysinger at 412-749-3629 or the main office of Edgeworth Elementary School at 412-749-3605.

 



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