By By JAMES COLLINS / Niles Daily Star
NILES -- A tragic accident on Sunday evening claimed the life of 17-year-old Niles native Timothy Lyle McLane.
McLane's death occurred when the car he was working on collapsed on top of him.
Police have ruled the death an accident.
Officials of the Niles Township Police Department said Monday they are not certain whether the jack holding up the car gave out or if it had slid from underneath the vehicle.
McLane was to celebrate his 18th birthday today.
McLane worked for a drywall company and his main hobby was cars. He enjoyed working on cars and attending demolition derbies.
Niles Township Police were dispatched to the residence on South Third Street at approximately 7:30 p.m.
His mother had talked to him 10 minutes before he was discovered underneath the vehicle by a friend.
Police found McLane lying on his stomach under the driver's side panel of the vehicle.
He was unconscious and police were unable to find a pulse or any respirations.
Niles Township Fire Department was responsible for the extrication of McLane from his vehicle. SMCAS was dispatched to the scene and were responsible for the treatment and transportation of McLane to Lakeland Hospital. Doctors at Lakeland pronounced McLane dead at about 10 p.m. Sunday.
Funeral services are Friday at 2 p.m.. at Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles. Friends may call on Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Halbritter, 615 E. Main St., Niles.