John Michael "Mike" Frey, a 58-year-old male of Caucasian ethnicity, tragically lost his life on August 21, 2019, in New Oxford, Pennsylvania. Frey, a retired combat engineer from the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division, was fatally shot by a former coworker at the Plainville Farms Distribution Center where he worked as a transportation supervisor. The incident occurred early in the morning when Frey arrived at work and was confronted by Phillip Michael Hughes, a 75-year-old truck driver who had
been fired the previous day. Hughes shot Frey at point-blank range, killing him instantly, before turning the gun on himself.
The Eastern Adams Regional Police quickly responded to the scene and found both men deceased in the parking lot. The investigation revealed that Hughes had been driving around the property in a suspicious manner before the shooting, and a witness reported hearing three gunshots and calling 911. The coroner ruled the incident a murder-suicide, and the case was closed with Hughes' death.
Frey's death deeply affected his community and former classmates, who honored his memory by raising funds to purchase a brick in his name at the UPMC Memorial Hospital memorial garden. Frey was remembered for his dedication to his country and his passion for hunting and military history. His funeral was held with full military honors at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
This tragic event highlighted the devastating impact of workplace violence and the importance of mental health support for employees facing termination. Frey's legacy lives on through the donations made in his memory to Ovarian Cancer Research and the Wounded Warrior Project.
