Bryce Lowman Chambersburg PA Obituary – A tragic incident unfolded in Centre County on Tuesday night when a young man lost his life after an electric shock near a utility pole during a fierce storm. Bryce Lowman, 22, of Chambersburg, was found dead at the scene after an apparent attempt to fight a mulch fire ended in catastrophe.
According to official reports from the State College Police Department, Lowman was engaged in putting out a mulch fire located in the 1500 block of University Drive when he unexpectedly encountered an energized utility pole. The storm that ravaged the area, with wind gusts reaching up to 80 mph, appears to have played a significant role in creating hazardous conditions that led to this fatal encounter.
Emergency response teams, including police, fire, and medical personnel from Centre LifeLink EMS, responded promptly to the scene shortly after 7:15 p.m. The storm’s impact was widespread: more than 35,000 residents lost power, trees and debris blocked roads, and electrical infrastructure was severely damaged across the region. The National Weather Service had issued a severe thunderstorm watch for eastern Centre County until 7:30 p.m., warning residents of the imminent danger.
The storm, which dissipated within half an hour, left behind a landscape of chaos and peril. Utility lines were downed, and the community faced the risk of additional electrical hazards, especially in areas where fires or other emergencies occurred. Lowman’s death highlights the dangers of working near electrical equipment during or immediately after severe weather events.
The coroner’s office has scheduled an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death, but preliminary investigations suggest electrocution as the primary cause. Community members are mourning the loss of a young man whose life was cut short during a night marked by nature’s fury. Local authorities are emphasizing the importance of safety precautions and urging residents to avoid risky interactions with electrical infrastructure during storms.
This tragic event raises awareness about the dangers of electrical hazards in storm-affected areas. It also prompts discussions about public safety and the need for increased awareness and preparedness for severe weather conditions, especially when emergencies like fires occur in proximity to electrical utilities. As the community grapples with this loss, officials are calling for caution and vigilance to prevent future tragedies.
