Police have identified man struck and killed by train, but not yet releasing name
The man killed by a passing train in Ypsilanti on Thanksgiving has been identified by police.
However police are not yet releasing the name of the 65-year-old Ypsilanti Township man and may not do so until early next week as they continue to investigate and speak with the victim's family, Ypsilanti police Sgt. Thomas Eberts said.
The man was discovered 100 yards north of Forest Avenue at 9:25 a.m. Thursday by railroad employees during a routine patrol of the tracks.
Eberts said the investigation revealed the man has been known to walk the railroad tracks to get from place to place.
"It was just something that he (did)," Eberts said.
Police are still uncertain exactly when the accident occurred or what train was involved, but investigators believe it happened during a roughly 12-hour period before the man's body was found Thursday morning.
At this point, it also wasn't clear whether the man was hit head on by the train or if he was walking alongside the tracks when the train came through.
Eberts said the man suffered "significant traumatic injuries" to both his head and body.
Police continue to investigate. Alcohol or substance use does not seem to be a factor at this time, they said.
Comments
jrigglem
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 8:33 p.m.
Did they ever release the name of the other young man whose car was found in the woods behind Penske?
nickcarraweigh
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 5:20 p.m.
The man was struck by a train and still managed to move 100 yards before succumbing? That's the worst combination of good luck and bad luck I've seen in some time.
clara
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 5:32 p.m.
That is not what the article says. It says he was found about 100 yards north of Forest Ave by workers patrolling the tracks. It does not say how far from the tracks he was.
WalkingJoe
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 3:44 p.m.
I would say something about the previous comment but I don't want to be deleted so that I can express my sympathies to the family.
Basic Bob
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 3:43 p.m.
Just a week ago, Metro Trains in Melbourne, Australia released a public service announcement on Youtube. It's a catchy song with cute graphics, and is already in the top ten downloads. http://www.dumbwaystodie.com/
HB11
Sun, Nov 25, 2012 : 1:32 p.m.
Great. Now that song's going to be in my head all day.
JBK
Sat, Nov 24, 2012 : 3:03 p.m.
Ouch! Man versus train......... Train wins everytime!:)