Hunter Killed in Propane Heater Explosion Near Honesdale

A hunter died after a portable propane heater exploded in Wayne County, Pennsylvania.

Authorities say 81-year-old Gregory Scheer of Chiefland, Florida was hunting from a stand on the ground in Texas township when the blast occurred.

Pennsylvania State Police believe a heater Scheer had been using may have malfunctioned, causing a propane bottle to explode around 12:45 p.m. Saturday.

Investigators say two other propane bottles also exploded.

According to WNEP, Scheer had been hunting in a wooded area on property owned by a friend.

The property owner went to check on Scheer after he heard an explosion.

Police say it's possible the heater malfunctioned or that there may have been an improper connection to a propane bottle.

An autopsy was expected to be performed on Monday.

A state fire marshal was investigating the explosion.

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

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