Autopsy: Pittsburgh-area sewage plant worker died of injuries suffered in fall, not fumes

Autopsy: Pittsburgh-area plant worker died of fall

SEWICKLEY, Pa. — Authorities say a worker apparently overcome by fumes at a western Pennsylvania sewage plant died from injuries suffered in a subsequent fall, not toxic gas.

The Allegheny County medical examiner’s office ruled Friday that 31-year-old Jack Hogan III of Baden died of blunt force trauma. The death was ruled an accident.

Hogan was working in a 30-foot-deep hole at the Sewickley Borough wastewater treatment plant Thursday when he radioed for help and tried to climb out.

Investigators say he fell back in, and three others working at the plant were overcome by fumes when they tried to rescue him. One worker remains hospitalized.

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the incident, which is routine in workplace deaths.