Somerset tow truck operator killed on turnpike

Judy D.J. Ellich, The Daily American
·1 min read

A 26-year-old Somerset Herring Motor Co. driver died in a tragic accident early Wednesday while he was securing a truck for a tow during a service call on the Pennsylvania Turnpike about 7 miles west of Somerset.

Thomas Hoket, of Johnstown, was pronounced deceased at 1:34 a.m. at the scene by Somerset Deputy Coroner Alexis Lichty.

Investigation:Somerset County coroner says human remains still under 'active investigation' by state police

Somerset County Coroner Cullen Swank said an autopsy to determine cause of death was scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.

According to Col. Matthew Johnston, turnpike communications officer, the incident is not considered a crash, but is referred to as a death investigation by the state police. The investigation is being performed by Trooper Sondra Haberl of the Somerset State Police Barracks.

"It is very, very tragic," Johnston said.

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This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Somerset tow truck operator killed on Pennsylvania Turnpike