An Ohio American Water employee died after being struck by a car while he was turning a valve at West Davis and Wall streets Friday morning.
Tiffin Police Department received a call around 11 a.m. about a woman, who was identified as Florence Lofay, 83, of Tiffin, striking Ohio American Water worker Gary Cooper, 49, of Sycamore.
Cooper was transported to Mercy Tiffin Hospital and later was transferred to a Toledo hospital, where he died Friday afternoon.
A spokesman from Tiffin Police Department said he believed driver inattention was the cause of the accident.
"Gary was a valued employee and friend," said David Little, Ohio American Water president, in a statement. "He was liked by all, and this is a tragic, unexpected loss. Our heartfelt sympathy and condolences go out to Gary's family and we ask that everyone keep his loved ones in their thoughts and prayers."
Chelsea Cooper, 23, said her dad, an avid Ohio State University fan, was fun to be around. His best qualities were his compassion and humor, she said.
"(He) always knew the right words to say. ... There wasn't a bad thing about him," she said.
Chelsea described her father as a caring and energetic person who always was there for her, her 18-year-old sister, Ashley, and their mother, Sandy.
"We love him, and we're (going to) miss him a lot," she said.
Ohio American Water has 28 treatment plants across Ohio and serves more than 200,000 people in 35 communities, according to its website. Tiffin's plant is located at 170 Ella St.
Personnel from Tiffin Police Department, Tiffin Fire and Rescue and State Highway Patrol responded the scene. Further details about the accident were not available Friday night.
