On March 22, 2014 at 1746 hrs, while participating in a search operation along railroad tracks for a missing woman, Firefighter Edwin "Lance" J. Wentzel, 57, was struck and killed by a train. Investigation by authorities continues into the fatal incident that happen at North Versailles under the Westinghouse Bridge.
Edwin "Lance" J. Wentzel is survived by his wife, Judith (Immel) Vestrand Wentzel; two sons, Jeffrey Jeremiah Wentzel, of Youngwood, and Christopher William Wentzel and wife, Nicole, of Grapevalle; two stepsons, Justin Martin Vestrand, of Jennette, and Jason Mac Vestrand, of Youngwood; three grandchildren, Oscar Thomas, Nevaeh and Urijah Wentzel; a brother, Philip A. Wentzel, of Youngwood; four sisters, Judith C. Wagner and husband, Don, of Carolina Shores, N.C., Connie L. Watson and husband, Mike, of Tampa, Fla., Bonnie L. Kucenic and husband, George, of Greensburg, and Doris M. Santone and husband, Tony, of Youngwood; and a number of nieces and nephews. Edwin "Lance" J. Wentzel was preceded in death by a brother, Howard Scott Wentzel; and a sister-in-law, Elaine Wentzel.
Our condolences to the Wentzel Family & Friends, the Youngwood Volunteer Fire Company and to all affected by Firefighter Edwin "Lance" J. Wentzel's passing.
To date, 31 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2014. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.
