Community rallies around family of 22-year-old who died during State College storm
Bryce Lowman, 22, died of electrocution during a severe storm April 29 in the State College area — and the hospitality community is coming together to raise funds for Lowman’s funeral while remembering the lives he touched during his own short life.
A GoFundMe was started earlier this week by Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, a nonprofit tourism bureau that works closely with Centre County’s hospitality industry, to raise $10,000 to help Lowman’s family with funeral costs. As of Wednesday afternoon, the online fundraiser for the man who worked the front desk at the Residence Inn State College was more than 75% toward reaching its goal.
“Bryce was a passionate and charismatic guy, who always went out of his way to help everyone,” Lowman’s father Mark wrote on the GoFundMe page. “He had the ability to make you smile, even on your worst day. He saw the best in everyone and looked for the positives in every situation.
“Bryce stood strong in his faith and lived life courageously. In his short time here, he touched many lives and will be missed more than the heart can hold.”
According to a press release from State College police, Lowman was killed when he was electrocuted near a utility pole during last week’s powerful storm that left nearly half of Centre County without power. He was trying to put out a mulch fire near the Residence Inn, before he was pronounced dead at the scene.
He is the second man since March to die from electrocution during or after a storm in Centre County.
Lowman was best known for his “fun-loving spirit” and “willingness to jump into any situation,” according to his GoFundMe. His obituary mentioned he loved basketball, the beach, the gym, exotic cars, fashion and hanging with friends.
His funeral will take place on noon Saturday at Chambersburg’s Sellers Funeral Home, with visitation held an hour prior. Memorial donations can also be made via Lowman’s father Mark at 947 Wayne Ave., Suite 338, Chambersburg, PA 17201.
To donate through GoFundMe, go to gofundme.com/f/funeral-expenses-for-bryce-lowman.
