The Tamaqua area community is mourning a Pennsylvania State Trooper who died Wednesday evening at St. Luke’s Miner’s campus.

Trooper Peter K. Conforti was rushed to the hospital after going into cardiac arrest. He leaves behind a wife and son.

A procession escorted his body from Miner’s campus to Lehigh Valley Cedar Crest in Allentown.

The Pennsylvania State Police said Thursday it is deeply saddened to announce the off-duty passing of Tpr. Peter K. Conforti.”

State police said Conforti enlisted in the state police in April of 2016 and was assigned to Troop L, Hamburg at the time of his passing.

“He served the Commonwealth with honor and integrity and will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and co-workers,” state police said.

Ashley Foux, owner of Feisty Fox Grille in Lehighton, is hosting a fundraiser for the family.

“Still in shock over this tragic loss for our community and feisty friends,” Foux posted.

Starting today the business has a jar available for donations, with 100 proceeds will go toward Trooper Conforti’s family.

On Aug. 10 and 11, from 3-9 p.m. each day, 30% of the proceeds will go directly to his wife Alex and her family.

One of Conforti’s teachers, Michele Bittner, posted about him. “Many years ago, I started teaching at West Penn Elementary with some very special students. One, however, stood out to be the kindest, most compassionate, hard working young man.”

“As an adult, he would always grasp every opportunity to help others, say hello, or to love his beautiful family,” Bittner said. “Peter Conforti, our world is a lot dimmer without your bright light shining on it ... He will forever remain in my heart as one of the kindest souls around. He will surely be missed.”