MOUNT CARMEL TOWNSHIP — A woman was found dead after getting her arm caught in a clothing drop-off bin, leaving her dangling for more than six hours.
Judith Permar, 56, died from a combination of trauma and possible hypothermia, according to Northumberland County Coroner James Kelley.
Permar used a step stool to reach the bin when her arm became stuck and the stool collapsed — her feet dangling just above the ground, PennLive reported. She broke her left arm and wrist, which prevented her from escaping, authorities said.
Investigators believe the woman went to the bin around 2 a.m. Sunday. The bin is located on Route 54 in Natalie.
She was found around 8:30 a.m. and pronounced dead at the scene.
The coroner ruled the cause of her death accidental.
Permar’s son said she always wanted to help the less fortunate and constantly donated to those clothing bins.
Her son says in honor of his mother’s giving heart, the family welcomes anyone who would like to attend her funeral service this Friday at the Stutz Funeral Home in Mount Carmel.
Her daughter, Angela Minnig, posted a message about her mother to Facebook following the news of her death:
“To the friends and family of Judy Permar:
“I know it’s in the paper and it’s beginning to spread on social media, but for those who do not know; On Sunday morning my Mother passed away. It was very sudden and our family will learn to coupe with the loss of such an amazing Wife, Mother, Sister, and Friend. We will be updating everyone on her viewing and wish all who knew her to visit and pay her respects. She was such a fun loving person and we know it would mean the world to her to say ‘See you Again.'”
Services for Permar will start with a viewing at 10 a.m. with her funeral to follow after.
The Stutz Funeral Home is located at 40 South Market Street in Mount Carmel.
In lieu of flowers, her family asks people make donations to their local SPCA or animal shelter as Judith was an animal lover.
