Thomasville teen dies in train crash

Thomasville police have confirmed the death of a pedestrian who was struck by a train early Tuesday morning.

Police were intially dispatched to the intersection of Turner and Main Streets for reports that a person had been hit by a train at 7:56 a.m. Jan. 23.

They found that Hunter Gardner, 17, of Thomasville, was deceased at the scene.

Witnesses told investigators that Gardner had been riding in a car that broke down on Main Street, parallel to the railroad tracks. They said Gardner walked to the tracks to watch a freight train traveling south and was standing on the northbound tracks when he was hit from behind by an Amtrak traveling on those northbound tracks. Officials have said it is believed Gardner did not see or hear the oncoming train.

The Amtrak Carolinian/Piedmont Train 80 departed Charlotte at 6:45 a.m. and was traveling to NY with 80 passengers at approximately 77 mph. No one on the train was injuried.

“This unfortunate event serves as a poignant reminder of the critical importance of railroad safety,” said Thomasville police. “We express our sincere sympathy to those mourning the loss of their loved one during this difficult time.”