EAST TAWAS – An unidentified Hale woman died while attempting to board a moving train, according to the East Tawas Public Safety Office.
On Aug. 16 at approximately 11:37pm, an East Tawas Public Safety Officer was dispatched and responded to the report of a pedestrian walking close to a moving train and then falling.
This was reported to Iosco County Central Dispatch by Lake State Railway Dispatch that had received a call from the train engineer reporting the incident to them.
Upon arrival East Tawas PSO, assisted by a Tawas City Police Officer, located an unresponsive female with obvious life-threatening injuries laying on the north side of the tracks, directly next to the tracks. Officers
notified dispatch and requested EMS while they assessed and began life saving measures.
The victim later identified as a 39-year-old woman from Hale, Michigan, had major injuries consistent with being struck by a train. Iosco County EMS arrived immediately and began treatment.
EMS transported victim to MyMichigan Medical Center in Tawas where she was later pronounced deceased.
A preliminary investigation revealed that the pedestrian was walking westbound in the railroad right of way on W. Bay St, approximately 50 feet west of Newman Street. Witness statements indicate that the woman
had been drinking alcoholic beverages one block away at Barnacle Bill’s and was telling people she was going to attempt to jump on the train.
Witnesses stated that the woman heard the train whistle and immediately left the bar.
The train engineer stated he saw the woman as he passed Newman Street and while he was watching in his rearview mirror, he saw the woman attempt to get on the train and fall to the ground. The engineer immediately stopped the slow-moving train and called his dispatch center.
Information indicates alcohol may have been a factor, an autopsy is pending. No foul play is suspected.
The East Tawas Department of Public Safety – Police Division is continuing their investigation as well as attempting to locate additional witnesses or video of the collision.
Chief Frank Anthony asked the community to be respectful.
”This is a tragic event for this family and will leave a mark on our community and all the first responders, dispatchers, and train personnel involved. Remember to be respectful and kind while everyone processes
this event and heals in time,” he said in a release.
“On behalf of the entire East Tawas Public Safety family, we send our deepest condolences to the friends and
family of the deceased.”
Anyone with information related to this collision is requested to contact East Tawas Public Safety at 989.930.1526 or email Chief Anthony at fanthony@easttawas.com.
