State College man dies of electrocution after contact with downed power lines following storm
A State College man died of electrocution Sunday after he stepped on a downed power line following a powerful storm that moved through Centre County.
Gelin Tong, 23, was killed about 6:50 p.m. Sunday along the 200 block of South Water Street in Ferguson Township, Centre County Coroner Scott A. Sayers and acting township police Chief Shawn J. Morrison said.
Tong and a woman were stopped by a tree that fell across state Route 26 during the storm, Sayers said in a press release. They exited their vehicle and were walking down a ditch toward Pine Grove Mills when Tong stepped on the power line, Sayers said.
Tong died at the scene. His death was ruled accidental.
“Our hearts and thoughts are with the young man’s family,” Morrison wrote in an email to the Centre Daily Times.
An investigation is ongoing. Alpha Fire Co. and Centre LifeLink EMS assisted Sunday.
The strong storm brought rain, hail and wind Sunday throughout Centre County, causing property damage, road and some school closures or delays. A tornado watch and severe thunderstorm warning was in effect Sunday afternoon in Centre County.
The National Weather Service warned of a line of strong to severe thunderstorms across western and central Pennsylvania, with damaging winds as the primary threat.
More than 10,000 West Penn Power customers were without power for hours. More than 2,500 customers have not had power restored as of 4 p.m. Monday in Centre County, according to West Penn Power.
After initially calling for a two-hour delay while assessing the situation, Bellefonte Area School District changed to a full closure on Monday morning. State College Area School District operated on a two-hour delay, though Ferguson Township Elementary School was closed due to a continued power outage. Other Centre County school districts operated as scheduled.
Some road closures are still in effect, including Fox Hollow Road, which is closed between Bernel Road and Fillmore Road due to downed utility lines. State Route 879 is shut down from the Pine Glen Fire Company to the Clearfield County line due to significant storm damage, Centre County 911 posted on Facebook.
For the latest on road conditions and closures, visit 511pa.com.
This story was originally published March 17, 2025 at 9:19 AM.