Trains are stopped in the area of the 17200 block of state Route 507. / Courtesy photo by Thurston County Sheriff’s Office
Updated at 7:30 p.m.
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a death on the train tracks south of Tenino this afternoon.
It happened in the area of the 17200 block off state Route 507, according to the sheriff’s office.
A southbound Amtrak reported at about 4 p.m. they struck an individual, sheriff’s Lt. Cliff Ziesemer said.
A freight train was stopped on the adjacent tracks and Amtrak said the person stepped out from in between two of its cars, he said.
The Amtrak was right there, traveling about 60 mph, Ziesemer said.
The engineer didn’t have time to activate the horn or brakes, and he was killed instantly, he said.
They found identification and the coroner’s office has taken custody of the body and will be notifying next-of-kin, according to Ziesemer. The deceased is 41 years old.
Investigators from BNSF and Amtrak also responded to assist with the investigation.
The rail line was shut down approximately two hours.
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter
When it says NEXT OF KIN TO BE NOTIFIED, you probably shouldn’t post NAMES AND PERSONAL INFO!! Jesus….
Rip Gary I still can’t believe it was really yu!!! I miss you and so does my dad.you were one of his best friends!!! He is so sad and I really am praying that suicide because you know we were all there qfor you the best we could be and my dad was so upset that you just didn’t go have a beer with him and talk because if you would have you might have still possibly been here. Anyways buddy love you and miss you rest in paradise
Stay off the tracks.. there for trains not a walking trail..how many more people have to die? Stay off of them. If you must walk them dont wear a walkman and be alert.