A Tamaqua man lost his life just before noon Tuesday when he became pinned beneath a car.

According to police, Paul Derr, 40, apparently was working beneath his vehicle, an SUV, on the 100 block of Clay Street in the community's North Ward section when, for reasons yet unclear, the vehicle rolled off repair ramps on which it had been elevated, pinning him beneath.

Police, fire companies and the Tamaqua Rescue Squad were dispatched by the Schuylkill Communications Center about 11:42 a.m. for a report of a man stuck beneath a car at 101 Clay Street.

Emergency response units arrived at the hillside location within minutes. However, those at the scene said there was little first responders could do.

"The victim was found unresponsive," said a statement issued by Tamaqua police.

Derr was pronounced dead at the scene by Schuylkill County Deputy Coroner David Truskowsky.

The car was removed from the scene by Ziegler's Auto Repair and Towing, Tamaqua.

Patrolman Anthony Stanell is the investigating officer.