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Police, OSHA Looking Into Roofer's Electrocution, Death

25-Year-Old Died When Power Line Metal Charged Scaffolding

POSTED: 6:43 pm EST March 11, 2006

A 25-year-old roofer was killed Friday in Aliquippa when the scaffolding on which he was standing became charged by a piece of aluminum from some loose power lines nearby.

Investigators said Regis Williams, 25, of Neville Island, was electrocuted, and fell about 30 feet.

Friends and family said his death came as a complete shock.

"'Rege' was the best guy I know," said cousin Jack Herbert. "'Rege' didn't have any acquaintances, everybody was (his) friend."

Those close to Williams said he enjoyed spending time with his two-year-old son, Isaiah, most of all.

"You can imagine, it's terrible," Herbert said. "His spirit was so strong. It's just hard to believe."

The question remained Saturday why Williams and his four coworkers returned to finish the job, even after they had been ordered by Duquesne Light officials to leave and remove the scaffolding because it was less than the legal limit of 10 feet from live wires.

"It's very important for people to take this (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulation ... seriously," said Joe Balaban, with Duquesne Light. "What happened (Friday) didn't have to happen. It's very sad and very tragic."

Police and OSHA officials are investigating to see if Zeke and Sons Roofing Company violated any safety rules.

Authorities will also question why Williams was apparently not wearing a safety harness.

Williams' relatives would like some answers from closure, but realize it won't bring back their loved one.

"Like a said, there's a 2-year-old and a fiancée without a father," Herbert said.

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