Mom Of 2 Dies After Being Hit By Debris At PA County Fair Tractor Pull

UNION COUNTY, PA — A 33-year-old Pennsylvania woman died after being struck in the neck by a piece of debris at a county fair's tractor pull event on Friday, according to state police.

The woman was watching a tractor pull at the Union County West End Fair when a piece of a wheel hit her around 8:30 p.m., Pennsylvania State Police said in a news release.

Off-duty medical professional at the scene helped try to save her life, and EMS personnel rushed the woman to Evangelical Community Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead, said officials.

The Union County Coroner's Office later identified the woman as Brandy Horner of Somerset County, according to reports from WJAC-TV and The Daily Item.

State police said that an exhaust wheel became dislodged and ejected from the tractor, with a piece of it striking Horner in the neck.

The tractor "sustained an equipment malfunction," according to a preliminary investigation report by Trooper Troy R. Croak.

The investigation discovered that "an exhaust wheel within a turbo housing of the tractor became dislodged and ejected from its manifold," Croak's report said. "The exhaust wheel then ejected from the metal covering of the tractor, before a piece of the wheel struck the victim in her neck."

The Union County Coroner's Office said Horner was pronounced dead at 9:23 p.m. Friday, "due to injuries sustained by flying debris from an engine part failure," according to The Daily Item.

Police said there is no indication of foul play or criminal activity in her death.

The West End Fair cancelled events at the pulling track on Saturday "due to unforeseen circumstances," and other events went on as usual. The fair ended on Saturday.

Horner resided in Conemaugh Township, and was born Brandy L. Eash in Johnstown according to her obituary with Hoffman Funeral Homes.

She is survived by her husband of 10 years, Travis, and her sons Troy and Blake; as well as her sisters, in-laws, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews, according to the obituary.

"Her world revolved around family but especially 'her 3 boys,' Troy, Blake and Travis," the obituary said. "She also enjoyed baking, gardening and camping with her family. Brandy will be sadly missed by many."