SCMA mourns loss of worker killed on the job Thursday
Apr. 28—POTTSVILLE — The Schuylkill County Municipal Authority is mourning the death of one of its workers killed while on the job Thursday morning in Pottsville.
Jeremy W. Smith, 46, of Foster Twp., died from injuries he suffered when he was struck by an SUV around 10:40 a.m. in the 400 block of Nichols Street.
"It is with extreme sadness and grief that we announce the tragic loss of SCMA employee, Jeremy Smith," said Patrick Caulfield, SCMA executive director.
According to Caulfield, Smith was a 17-year veteran with SCMA's Meter Department and was working at a job site during the incident.
"Our entire company mourns Jeremy's passing," Caulfield said in a statement Friday.
Caulfield also said that the SCMA is deferring any questions regarding the incident to Pottsville police, who are handling the accident investigation.
"During this most unfortunate time, SCMA respectfully requests privacy for Jeremy's wife, son and extended family and appreciates everyone's thoughts and prayers for the Smith family," he added.
As a result of the death, Caulfield said, SCMA offices were closed Friday, but emergencies could still be reported by calling 570-622-8240.
Pottsville Police Chief John Morrow said officers found Smith severely injured and unresponsive on the sidewalk on the south side of the road. Schuylkill EMS rushed him to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill E. Norwegian Street, where he later died.
Morrow said the preliminary investigation revealed that Patrick M. Kilcullen, 51, of Minersville, was driving east on Nichols Street when he went off the road and struck Smith, who was on the sidewalk.
Kilcullen's Chevrolet Blazer also struck a parked 2002 Dodge Caravan, causing extensive damage to both vehicles, the chief said.
Nichols Street was closed for about three hours while the investigation was completed.
Pottsville firefighters, fire police, the Schuylkill County District Attorney's Office and a state police accident reconstruction unit responded.
Morrow said the investigation is ongoing and that charges are pending against Kilcullen.
Contact the writer: fandruscavage@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6013
