FAYETTE CITY, Pa. — The Fayette County community is in mourning following the untimely passing of Ashley Marie Eley, a beloved firefighter and healthcare worker, who died peacefully on Friday, October 10, 2025, surrounded by family at Shadyside Hospital in Pittsburgh. She was only 25 years old but left behind a legacy of compassion, courage, and service.
Born on April 20, 2000, in Monroeville, Ashley was the cherished daughter of James M. and Sherri Piergrossi Eley. A 2018 graduate of Belle Vernon Area High School, she pursued her passion for helping others by earning a phlebotomy certification at LBI in Uniontown. She later joined Preferred Primary Care Physicians, Inc., where she became known for her kindness and dedication to her patients.
In addition to her work in healthcare, Ashley was a proud and active member of the Fayette City Volunteer Fire Company, where she served as Second Lieutenant. She also belonged to several regional firefighting associations, including the Fayette County Firefighters Association, the Western Pennsylvania Firefighters Association, and the Southwestern Pennsylvania Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs Association. Her colleagues described her as cheerful, reliable, and always ready to lend a hand when duty called.
Tributes have poured in from across the region. The Brownsville Ambulance Service, Inc. wrote, “Ashley was the epitome of what a public servant should be. Her bubbly personality and caring nature will be missed by all who knew her.” The Newell Volunteer Fire Company added, “The loss of Ashley is crushing. We extend our prayers and condolences to the Eley family and the Fayette City Fire Department.”
Those who knew Ashley remember her for her bright smile and adventurous spirit. She loved the outdoors, hunting, and spending time at the casino with friends. She is survived by her parents; her grandfather, James Piergrossi of Fayette City; several aunts, uncles, cousins, her boyfriend Dylan Ditmore of Hopwood, and her loyal dogs, Buster and Gunner.
Family and friends will gather to honor her life at Eley/McCrory Funeral Home in Fayette City, with visitations scheduled for October 13–14, followed by a Firefighters Memorial Service on Tuesday evening and funeral services on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Belle Vernon Cemetery.