Robert Anderson Obituary, Wexford, Bicyclist Found Dead After Hitting Down Power Lines; Robert Anderson, a beloved longtime teacher at Central Catholic High School, was found dead among downed power lines Tuesday night in North Park. He was 63 years old.
The tragic discovery was made by a jogger who found Mr. Anderson amid live wires on a trail near the Olympia shelter shortly before 8:30 p.m., according to Allegheny County Police. First responders were unable to reach Mr. Anderson until 10:30 p.m. when Duquesne Light cut power to the downed lines. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The power lines were reported to be “down and smoking on the trail” as early as 8:40 a.m. that day, at which time Allegheny County emergency dispatchers were notified of the live wires. Police said first responders checked the scene and determined the wires belonged to Duquesne Light, which was notified just after 8:50 a.m.
County officials stated that the trail was roped off with caution tape at the main entrance and at multiple points leading up to where the wires were down. The nearby park shelter was also taped off. However, a jogger coming from the opposite direction encountered Mr. Anderson’s body and called police.
The medical examiner’s office ruled Mr. Anderson’s death an accident caused by high-voltage electrocution.
Mr. Anderson was a cherished member of the Central Catholic community and served as the chair of the health and physical education department. Administrators praised his dedication to his students and his role in promoting personal health and wellness.
“Throughout his time at our school, Mr. Anderson played an important role in educating students on the need for personal health and wellness,” Central Catholic President Matthew J. Stoessel said in a statement.
It remains unclear whether the downed wires should have been de-energized by the time of the incident. Officials did not respond to requests for comment on the protocols surrounding live downed wires.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic accident and our hearts go out to his family during this difficult time,” Duquesne Light spokeswoman Hollie Geitner said in a statement. “We are working closely with local emergency responders and park officials to investigate the incident.”
The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
