Freeport alum killed in Armstrong County burn barrel explosion

An Alle-Kiski Valley native died in Armstrong County last week when something inside a burn barrel he was using exploded.

Mark Liti, 48, was struck by debris in the explosion Tuesday and later died at ACMH Hospital.

“He was a great family guy,” his brother, Chris Liti, told Tribune-Review news partner WPXI-TV. “He just had energy. It’s incredible.”

Chris Liti told the outlet his brother was using the burn barrel when something inside — they’re not sure what — exploded.

Mark Liti was born in Natrona Heights and grew up in Buffalo Township, attending Freeport Area High School and graduating from Lenape Vo-Tech, the family wrote in his obituary.

He had a lifelong passion for dirtbikes, his family said, riding and racing motorcycles under his usual race number, 415, since he was a child. He enjoyed hunting, camping, fishing and his family: wife, Jennifer; and children, Paige, Chloe and Ryder.

A GoFundMe page has been set up for Liti’s family. As of Monday afternoon, it had received more than $23,000 in donations.

“I’m still in shock,” his brother told WPXI. “I will try to put my arms around it, but, at this point, I can’t.”

Friends have organized a memorial bike ride for Sept. 8 at Harrison Hills County Park.

“Every day counts,” Chris Liti told the TV station. “Try to be there and see people because you never know. They could go away, and you’ll never see them again.”