Allen Robert Linder died attempting to rescue Ashley N. Friedman from suffocation, Cleveland, Ohio, February, 20, 2020. In a trucking company’s garage, Friedman, 30, entered a steel chemical tanker trailer though a small hatch at its top to clean its interior when she fell down and was unresponsive inside the oxygen-deficient confined space, which contained residual chemicals. Her mother, a coworker, who was positioned outside the trailer at its top, screamed for help, alerting those nearby, including Linder, 65, truck driver, who responded to the trailer without a respirator or air supply. Linder climbed the ladder at the trailer’s side, reached the top, and entered the trailer through the hatch. Shortly, Linder, too, was unresponsive. After a responding firefighter, wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus, entered the trailer, firefighters used a cable hoist to remove Linder and Friedman. Friedman and Linder both were taken to a hospital but neither survived. Both had suffocated.
91026-10243Obituary
Allen Robert Linder, 65 of Milan, died on February 20 as part of a work related rescue attempt. He was born on November 29, 1954 in Norwalk to the late Frank and Agnes (Phillips) Linder. Allen graduated from Norwalk High School and EHOVE.
Allen loved his wife, his children and cherished his grandchildren. He was a skilled winemaker alongside his friend Norb Barman whom he admired. He was a truck driver for KAG (Keenan Advantage Group). He formerly drove for Norwalk Furniture. He drove millions of miles, making friends all along the way. Allen would give you the shirt off his back or his last nickel if you needed it.
Survivors include his loving wife of 46 years, Cindy (Deer) Linder, their children, Allen Linder Jr. and Casey (Dawn) Linder, grandchildren, Seth, Isabellah, Avery, and Audrey; siblings, Linda (Robert) Huey, Andy (Mary) Linder, Gerry (Judy) Linder, Vicky (Randy) Zipfel, Steve (Sharon) Linder, Marv (Vicki) Linder, Rita Linder, Tina (Scot) Davidson; he is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and close friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Martin, Charlie and Edwin.