Pittsburgh-area bicyclist electrocuted after apparently encountering downed power lines

PITTSBURGH (AP) — A 63-year-old bicyclist was electrocuted when he came across downed power lines on a trail near Pittsburgh on Tuesday evening, authorities said.

A jogger found the victim, later identified as 63-year-old teacher Robert Anderson, in North Park just before 8:30 p.m., Allegheny Police said.

First responders were not able to reach him until 10:30 p.m. when Duquesne Light cut power to the lines, they said.

Anderson was pronounced dead at the scene, about 13 miles north of Pittsburgh. He was a longtime health and physical education teacher dedicated to his students at Central Catholic High School, the school said.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic accident and our hearts go out to his family during this difficult time,” Duquesne Light spokeswoman Hollie Geitner said in a statement, adding that the utility was assisting with the investigation.

County police said that officials had closed the trail and put caution tape in the area after the downed lines were reported Tuesday morning.