Ross Township Man Killed by Falling Tree as Western PA Storm Death Toll Rises to Three

A deadly line of storms that tore through Western Pennsylvania on Tuesday has now been linked to a third fatality, officials confirmed late Wednesday morning. The latest victim, 67-year-old Raymond Gordon of Ross Township, was killed when a large tree uprooted by powerful winds collapsed on him outside his home.

According to the Ross Township Police Department, Gordon had been working outdoors during a break in the storm and was heading back into his house when the incident occurred. Investigators say the combination of saturated ground and wind gusts reaching over 60 mph caused the tree to topple suddenly, striking Gordon with fatal force. He was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders.

“There is no indication of foul play,” said a spokesperson for Ross Township Police. “This appears to be a tragic and unforeseeable accident caused by the severe weather.”

Gordon’s death follows two other storm-related fatalities across the region:

• In Pittsburgh’s South Side Slopes neighborhood, a man died after coming into contact with a live electrical wire that had fallen during the storm. Authorities said the man was electrocuted while attempting to navigate debris in the aftermath of the storm’s first wave.
• In Greene County, a man who was riding in a car was killed when a tree fell directly onto the vehicle. Emergency crews responded quickly, but the passenger could not be saved. The driver survived but was hospitalized with injuries.

Tuesday’s storm system brought torrential rainfall, flash flooding, and intense wind gusts, leaving behind a trail of destruction across Allegheny, Greene, and surrounding counties. Fallen power lines, uprooted trees, and blocked roadways were reported across multiple municipalities, prompting emergency declarations and widespread power outages.

Weather officials had issued severe thunderstorm warnings hours before the storms hit, but the intensity and duration caught many residents off guard. Utility crews have been working around the clock to restore power and clear debris, while emergency services remain on high alert for further incidents as the region continues to recover.

Local leaders are urging residents to avoid downed wires, report damaged infrastructure, and check on vulnerable neighbors — particularly the elderly and those with mobility challenges.

Raymond Gordon is remembered by neighbors as a kind, quiet man who often kept to himself but took great pride in maintaining his property. His death has sent shockwaves through the small Ross Township community, which is still coming to terms with the unexpected loss.

“This storm didn’t just knock down trees,” said one resident. “It took lives, and it’s going to take a while before we all feel safe again.”