The Penn-Trafford and greater Westmoreland County football communities are grieving the sudden and heartbreaking loss of TJ Detruf, beloved assistant freshman football coach at Penn-Trafford High School. Detruf, 41, died unexpectedly on Saturday, July 26, at his home in Hempfield, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, mentorship, and deep devotion to the game and those he loved.
According to Penn-Trafford head football coach John Ruane, Detruf had been a dedicated member of the freshman coaching staff for the past three years. He was not only respected for his coaching ability but also deeply admired for his character, compassion, and commitment to shaping young athletes on and off the field.
“TJ was at our 7-on-7 at Hempfield just last Thursday, proudly watching Dom play QB for Hempfield against us, while still wearing his PT gear,” Ruane shared in a heartfelt letter to Penn-Trafford families. “He always said he wanted to be at PT for the long haul.”
Detruf’s impact extended well beyond the sidelines. A former quarterback at Jeannette High School, he remained actively involved in the local football scene, bringing his knowledge and passion to every team and community he touched.
TJ leaves behind his wife, Jennifer Detruf, and his son, Dom Detruf, a senior and starting quarterback for the Hempfield Area Spartans. Dom, wearing jersey #11, is widely regarded as a rising leader—carrying on the competitive spirit and resilience his father instilled in him.
Tragically, TJ passed away while spending a relaxing afternoon with his family. He suffered a sudden medical emergency in the family’s pool and could not be revived. Dom, who was in Florida at the time, was urgently flown home with support from Southwest Airlines and Walt Disney World, where he was visiting. The Detruf family reunited that evening at their home in Greensburg to grieve together.
In a public statement, Penn-Trafford Athletic Director Kerry Hetrick expressed the sorrow felt across the district. “The community is deeply saddened by the loss of TJ Detruf. He was more than a coach—he was a friend, a mentor, and a man whose quiet strength inspired those around him.”
The Hempfield Area Football Parents Club echoed this sentiment, calling TJ “an incredible husband, father, friend, and mentor—always willing to coach, guide, and uplift those around him.” The club emphasized that football was always more than a game to TJ—it was a family. “The Spartans know you’ll be watching from above, TJ. This season, we play with you in our hearts and plan to make you proud.”
In an extraordinary display of strength and resolve, Dom Detruf returned to practice just two days after his father’s passing—honoring what he knew his dad would have wanted.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been publicly released, and the cause of death remains officially unconfirmed pending further medical examination. GoFundMe
As the Penn-Trafford, Jeannette, and Hempfield communities process this tremendous loss, one thing is clear: TJ Detruf’s legacy will live on in every player he coached, every friend he supported, and especially in the courageous young man he raised. North Huntingdon Township, Pennsylvania.
