Officials call Uniontown man’s death an accident
JEFFERSON TWP. – In what is being classed as an accident, a Uniontown man died Saturday after falling into a pool owned by friends in Newell. According to state police, Allison Richter, 26, of Uniontown and formerly of the Newell area was visiting with friends living along the Newell Road when he was left alone for a short time. The homeowners told police that they last saw Richter standing on the deck of the pool.
Police noted that it isn’t believed that Richter intended to go swimming as the pool had just been opened for the season and hadn’t been fully prepared for use. Upon returning home, the residents discovered Allison facedown in the pool. Life-saving efforts were started by the residents, but they were unable to resuscitate him, said police.
Allison was transported to Brownsville Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Police noted that Allison was known to suffer from seizures so the incident was not being treated as suspicious in nature.
Fayette County Coroner Dr. Phillip Reilly agreed, noting that results of the autopsy conducted by Allegheny County Coroner Cyril Wecht indicted that medically Allison drowned accidentally.
“We understand that there were no witnesses, but the theory is that a seizure toppled him into the pool. No foul play or suspicious trauma was discovered or reported,” said Reilly.
Allison Edwin Richter, 26, was born May 9, 1976 in Carroll Township, the son of the late Robin L. Richter Preston. He was a graduate of Frazier High School Class of 1996. A brother Louis S. Preston and an aunt, Sandra Gale Hiles, predeceased him.
Surviving is his grandmother Ruth Ann Richter of Uniontown with whom he lived, a brother Jeremy Staley of Newell a sister Jessica Preston of Uniontown; uncles Albert Richter Sr., of California, Danny and Robert Richter both of Coal Center; nephew Zachary Stewart and several cousins.
Friends will be received at the Eley-McCrory Funeral Home, Inc., 334 Main Street, Fayette City on Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday until 1 p.m. the hour of services with Rev. James Pond officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Fayette City.