HARRISBURG – The effort by state Rep. Tommy Sankey (R-Clearfield/Cambria) to honor a Clearfield County resident who tragically died in a construction accident more than 50 years ago is a signature away from being successful following Wednesday’s passage of Senate Bill 1156.
“I thank my House and Senate colleagues for incorporating my original bill (House Bill 1695) into this more comprehensive piece of legislation,” said Sankey. “The family of Richard Whitehead greatly appreciates their actions in helping to preserve his memory.”
Sankey’s bill would designate the Interstate 80 Viaduct Bridges that cross the Moshannon Creek in Cooper Township as the Richard B. Whitehead Memorial Bridges. A July 29, 1966 accident during construction of the bridge near Kylertown claimed the life of Whitehead, who died at the age of 36.
“Richard Whitehead was much more than a skilled worker,” Sankey added. “He was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend who served his country in the U.S. Air Force and returned home to work for Bailey and Bragonier Construction Company of Philipsburg.”
Senate Bill 1156 now sits with Gov. Tom Wolf.
