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West Chester U. Student Killed

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West Goshen, PA -


Police in West Goshen Township, Chester County, are investigating an accident that killed a West Chester University student.  It happened Monday evening as the student was crossing a street to get to his part-time job.  Police identified the student as Joey Pietroforte of Nazareth, Northampton County.

Pietroforte turned 21 years old just last Saturday.  "He said it was the best time of his life, he had so much fun," Kelly dePedro told Fox 29.  DePedro and Pietroforte's other friends helped him celebrate the big milestone.  But just three short days after his birthday, they're mourning his death.  "Joey was the person in life, no matter what, he always made you happy," Jake Werb explained.  "He always had a smile on his face.  When you were down he would bring you up."

Pietroforte had parked in a lot on South Bolmar Street in West Goshen Monday evening, across the road from where he worked loading cargo at A. Duie Pyle, a trucking company.  As he crossed Bolmar in a marked crosswalk, police say an 80-year-old driver struck him.  "As a father of four, it's just a parent's worst nightmare," Pete Latta, the chairman of A. Duie Pyle told Fox 29.

Police have identified the driver as William Eckel of Glen Mills.  Eckel has not been charged, but investigators provided few other details.  Those who knew Pietroforte describe a hard worker who balanced his studies at West Chester University, with his part-time job.  "He was very highly respected and well thought of, just had a great future ahead of him," Latta agreed.  Jake Werb, who called himself one of Pietroforte's best friends, said the third-year student "tried to work as many hours as he could so he could pay for everything.  Was the hardest-working person I ever knew."

"He was the happiest kid that you could ever know," added Kelly dePedro.  "He never was in a bad mood, he brought everyone's spirits up, and gave great advice. Just a loving kid."

Pietroforte leaves behind his parents, a brother and a sister.

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