Tarentum teen dies in fall from moving truck

By Bill Vidonic

Published: Saturday, July 13, 2013, 10:48 a.m.
Updated 14 minutes ago

Allegheny County homicide detectives are investigating the death of a Tarentum teen who fell out of the bed of a moving pickup late Friday, according to the Allegheny County medical examiner's office.

A medical examiner supervisor said Ryan Richards, 17, was thrown from the pickup as the driver made a hard left at Poplar Street and Saxonburg Boulevard in West Deer just after 11 p.m. Friday.

Richards was taken to a nearby fire station in preparation to be flown to a Pittsburgh hospital, but he died at the fire station at 11:42 p.m.

The supervisor said Richards was standing in the pickup bed, behind the truck's cab. Three others with him in the bed of the truck had been sitting down. There were four others in the cab of the truck. None of the people in the truck were identified.

Autopsy results for Richards were pending Saturday morning.

Homicide detectives could not be reached Saturday morning for additional information.

The Highlands School District issued a statement that said Richards was entering his senior year and excelled in football and baseball.

“He will be sadly missed by faculty, coaches and teammates and fellow classmates,” Misty Chybrzynski, district public relations manager, said in the statement. “Highlands School District administrators and staff extend their deepest sympathies to the family of the student.”

Counselors will be available at Highlands High School at 9 a.m. Monday. For appointments, call 724-226-1000.

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