Justin Puckly, 33, Identified as Victim in Fatal Hit-and-Run on Route 19 in Waterford Township
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In the early hours of Saturday, July 19, 2025, around 1:21 a.m., emergency dispatch recorded a report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle in the 12000 block of Route 19 South in Waterford Township, Erie County .
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Troopers from the Pennsylvania State Police Troop E – Erie responded and discovered a man lying on the roadway who had been hit by a vehicle that fled the scene .
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Authorities estimate that the suspect vehicle was traveling southbound through the Route 19/Route 97 roundabout, continuing past Church Road, in the time window of approximately 12:55 a.m. to 1:10 a.m., before striking the pedestrian .
🕯️ Victim: Justin Thomas Puckly
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The victim was officially identified as 33‑year‑old Justin Thomas Puckly, a resident of Waterford Township .
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He was walking along the southbound shoulder of Route 19 when the vehicle struck him. He was pronounced dead at 2:07 a.m. by the Erie County Coroner, Lyell Cook. No autopsy is currently planned .
🧩 Investigation Details
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Pennsylvania State Police have classified this case as a fatal hit‑and‑run and are actively seeking information from the public to identify the vehicle and driver involved.
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Investigators have requested any witnesses who observed vehicles traveling southbound on Route 19 between 12:55 a.m. and 1:10 a.m., particularly through the Route 19/97 roundabout area, to contact the PSP Erie Station at 814‑898‑1641 .
💔 Community Response & Aftermath
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Local residents quickly identified the victim as Justin Puckly, noting that he was walking home early that Saturday morning. Social media posts conveyed shock and sadness, with one observer stating:
“hit and killed Justin Puckly in Waterford in the wee hours of July 19th then left the scene very soon”.
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Friends and neighbors described Justin as a 33‑year‑old beloved community member whose life ended far too soon .
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Obituary notices confirmed his passing on Saturday, July 19, 2025 and reflected on the profound impact he had on his community at such a young age
📝 Summary Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date & Time of Crash | July 19, 2025, around 1:21 a.m. |
| Location | Route 19 South, 12000 block, Waterford Township, PA |
| Victim | Justin Thomas Puckly, age 33, Waterford Township resident |
| Pronouncement of Death | 2:07 a.m., Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook |
| Suspect Vehicle | Unknown make/model—traveling south through Route 19/97 roundabout between 12:55–1:10 a.m. |
| Current Status | Investigation active; public assistance requested |
📣 Final Thoughts
Justin Puckly’s death was sudden and tragic, due to an apparent hit‑and‑run incident while he walked along a stretch of Route 19 in the very early hours of July 19, 2025. The state police are urging anyone with knowledge—especially those who drove through or near the Route 19/97 roundabout during the relevant timeframe—to come forward.