Fidel O. Velez, 27, died on Tuesday, January 21, 2014, in Hempfield, Pennsylvania. Born April 9, 1986, in Fort Rucker, Alabama, he lived in Greensburg and was remembered by family as a kind person who loved learning, animals, and gaming while coping with an unspecified illness.

Velez’s death was initially investigated as a possible crime but the Pennsylvania State Police later ruled the shooting to be accidental. No suspects or arrests were reported. Funeral services were held at the First Christian Church in Greensburg, with private interment at St. Clair Cemetery. He is survived by his parents Fidel E. Velez and Maria Teresa Santiago, sisters Miriam Mealy, Kristal Velez, and Jessica Pacelli, plus extended family.

If anyone knew Fidel or has information about the circumstances of his death, please share what you know.