14-year-old cadet firefighter killed in crash

NORTH SEWICKLEY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A 14-year-old cadet firefighter was killed in a crash Saturday that injured two other people in North Sewickley Township.

Grady Hoffman died in the crash involving a pickup truck and a car on Mars Hill Road at Kunkle Road. Officials said the crash happened about 2 p.m. when the truck tried to pass the car.

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Police said the pickup truck hit the car as the driver was trying to pass it, and then hit a utility pole.

The driver of the truck and both passengers, one of whom was Hoffman, were rushed to a hospital, officials said. Hoffman died shortly before 7 p.m. at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.

Hoffman was a cadet firefighter at Hutchinson Volunteer Fire Department, which posted the following message on its Facebook page:

“With great sadness we announce the passing of Cadet Firefighter Graydon Hoffman Jr. Grady, it might have taken you a few years to grow into those boots but no one will ever fill your shoes. Rest easy little brother. We'll take it from here.”

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Channel 11's Cara Sapida reported Hoffman grew up in the department and was following in his father's footsteps.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help cover the costs of Gradon's funeral. T-shirts are also being sold to raise money for the family.

A neighbor told Channel 11 News a dog was also killed in the crash.

The driver of the car was not injured and refused medical treatment.

Cox Media Group