Penn Township man killed in storm cleanup accident was Eagle Scout

The 18-year old Penn Township man who died Thursday after a tree fell on him was an Eagle Scout known for his volunteerism, friends and family members said.

Jacob Lazar, 18, was killed at about 11:30 a.m. along Winchester Road, at the Trafford Sportsman’s Club, according to Westmoreland County Coroner Tim Carson.

Lazar suffered lethal head injuries when he was struck by a tree that fell from an excavator bucket, Carson said.

The death was an accident, Carson said.

Greg Lazar announced his son’s death on the Facebook page for Harrison City-based Boy Scout Troop 236, the organization that multiple members of the Lazar family have joined.

“He was doing what he loves to do, which is helping others,” Greg Lazar wrote. “He was volunteering to clear trees from last week’s tornadoes.”

The teen died despite first responders’ efforts, North Huntingdon police Chief Robert Rizzo said.

A volunteer firefighter and rising senior at Penn-Trafford High School, Jacob Lazar aged out of the Boy Scout ranks when he turned 18 but continued to serve the troop as an adult leader.

“He was always uplifting and encouraging,” said Lisa Slentz of Youngwood, a friend and leader with Troop 236. “He would go camping in the snow and pouring rain if it would help a younger Scout.

“He was there for the kids. He was always there to offer inspiration.”

Jacob Lazar was active with the Order of the Arrow, a group of Scouts dedicated to serving the organization by improving its facilities, hosting events and caring for its Camp Conestoga summer camp near Somerset.

“He was a very dedicated volunteer,” Slentz said. “He would work tirelessly to fix and improve anything that was needed.”

A senior patrol leader with his troop, Lazar achieved the rank of Eagle Scout by refurbishing an antique piece of equipment for the Paintertown Volunteer Fire Department, according to Slentz.

In addition to Scouting and firefighting, Lazar spent time helping friends. He regularly mowed an elderly neighbor’s lawn and he watched Slentz’s dogs while her family was away on vacation.

“He was dependable,” Slentz said. “He was the one you could call at the crack of dawn. He was always open to help.”

Lazar and his twin brother, Jason, were the youngest siblings in their large family.

“He and his brothers would come to my house to swim and would end up doing yard work instead,” said family friend Roseanna Boettner. “He was considered family, one of my extra kids.

“He was always polite and had a good sense of humor.”

Graziano Funeral Home in Jeannette will be in charge of arrangements.