Penn Hills graduate identified as man killed in Youngstown explosion

Authorities have identified the man who died Tuesday in a natural gas explosion in Youngstown, Ohio, as Akil Drake, a former Penn Hills resident.

The explosion shattered the facade of the Realty Tower, home to a Chase Bank where Drake worked, killing him and injuring seven others. One person remains in critical condition.

Drake, 27, was a 2015 graduate of Penn Hills High School, where he played football.

“The Penn Hills School District extends its deepest condolences to Akil’s family and others affected by this tragic explosion,” the district said in a statement. “We will all miss Akil.”

A spokesperson for the Ohio State Fire Marshal's Office said it is investigating alongside Mahoning County officials, local first responders and other agencies.

The Stambaugh Building and the nearby DoubleTree Hotel are closed until further notice, according to a news release from Youngstown police. Authorities continue to ask residents to avoid the area.

JPMorgan Chase spokeswoman Angela Reighard-Rand said the company would continue to support local authorities.

“The JPMorgan Chase family mourns the loss of our colleague,” Reighard-Rand said. “Our hearts go out to their families as well as our injured employees, their families and others affected by this tragedy.”