A Pennsylvania mom, Amanda Rivera, 38, from Blairsville, faces two counts of endangering the welfare of children after her 8-year-old son climbed onto their 20-foot-high roof during strong winds and tried hanging from power lines, per police reports and court records.
What Happened
- A neighbor spotted the boy (described as 7-8 years old) climb out a window onto the steep roof amid “extremely high winds,” captured it on video, and called 911.
- The child attempted to grab power lines attached to the house, heightening the fall risk, but was safely back inside by the time police arrived—no injuries reported.
- Rivera was arrested March 15, 2026, charged the next day, and awaits a preliminary hearing on April 15 before Judge Robert Steele Bell Sr. in Indiana County court.
- She told police the family was packing for a move; she was running errands and at their new house. They also have a 15-year-old child.
Local Reaction
Blairsville resident Anna Zadecky expressed sympathy but stressed parental responsibility: “Accidents happen, but that’s completely unacceptable… one little thing could happen so quick, and it changes all their lives forever.”
This case highlights risks of unsupervised kids near hazards like roofs or power lines—similar incidents often lead to charges when negligence is alleged, even without harm. Sources: PEOPLE, CBS Pittsburgh, WTAE.
