HEMPFIELD, Pa. — Authorities have confirmed to Channel 11's Joe Holden that a 54-year-old man who died in a motorcycle accident Thursday afternoon was a firefighter.
Investigators said the accident was reported on Route 119 in Hempfield Township just after 2:30 p.m. Thursday.
According to police, Joseph Muller’s motorcycle was approaching an intersection and an SUV pulled in front of him.
Muller struck the SUV, driven by William McLay, and was thrown from his bike.
Muller, who was a longtime volunteer with the Fort Allen Fire Department in Greensburg, was taken to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh. According to the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s officer, he was pronounced dead at 9:12 p.m.
Fellow firefighters declined to comment on his death at his family's request but posted an announcement on the department's Facebook page:
“It is with sad news the Fort Allen VFD reports the passing of Life Member Joe Muller Sr. Mr. Muller held numerous positions within the department both on the Board and Line Officer. ... The fire service has lost a dedicated brother fireman.”
Channel 11’s news exchange partners at TribLIVE contributed to this report.
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