Jarrett M. Cherok, 38, of San Angelo, Texas, died Friday, Jan. 10, 2020. In 2006, Cherok was named a Carnegie hero for his June 8, 2005, rescue of a 47-year-old man from burning inside a Pittsburgh row house. Fire had broken out and the man lay unconscious in a second-floor bedroom. Cherok’s sister was also inside. From his home nearby, Cherok, then 23, saw flames and ran to the scene dressed only in jeans. He carried his sister outside, then, despite showing effects of being exposed to the smoke, he re entered the house and crawled upstairs in search of the man. He dragged the man to the top of the stairs and then outside to safety.
Cherok was born in 1981 to Darrel F. And Kathleen Cherok of Pittsburgh. He previously lived in Baldwin, Pa., where he graduated from Baldwin High School. He is survived by his wife, Trisha (Kocan); children, Nina and Jarrett, Jr.; and stepchildren, Mia and Ava.
In high school, Cherok was an exceptional baseball player known for his pitching abilities. During his first year of college, an injury ended his playing days. Cherok attended Steel Valley Tech and worked in the oil and gas industry from 2011 to 2020. He was a devoted father who coached his children’s softball and baseball teams. He enjoyed spending time with family, fishing, going on road trips, and watching football.