A 25-year-old man named Dakota Williams was struck and killed by a CSX freight train in Whitesboro. According to witnesses, Williams was standing close to the tracks watching a westbound train before crossing to the north side and walking westerly. The train crew saw Williams taking photos or videos of an eastbound train on his cell phone and tried to stop, but Williams did not hear the horn. CSX Police are assisting with the investigation. Edward Harris, Utica Observer Dispatch reported

Man Fatally Struck by CSX Freight Train in Whitesboro Identified

Oneida County Sheriff’s Office Releases Statement

The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office has identified the man who was tragically struck and killed by a CSX freight train in Whitesboro on Thursday evening. The victim has been identified as 25-year-old Dakota Williams, a resident of Whitesboro.

According to deputies, a witness reported seeing Williams near the tracks at the end of Linwood Place in the village of Whitesboro just moments before the accident occurred. The witness stated that it appeared Williams was standing close to the tracks, seemingly watching a westbound train.

After the train passed, Williams crossed to the north side of the tracks and began walking in a westerly direction. The witness lost sight of him shortly after. Deputies explained that this section of the railway has two sets of tracks, one on the north side of the railroad bed and another on the south side.

Shortly after Williams crossed to the north side, the witness believes they heard two other trains passing through, but they were not watching and could not determine the direction or rail they were on.

Investigators received information from the train crew involved in the accident, stating that their train was heading west on the north side set of rails. When the crew spotted Williams, he was standing between the rails of their westbound train, with his back to their train, seemingly capturing photos or videos of an eastbound train on his cell phone.

The train crew immediately applied emergency braking and sounded the horn in an attempt to alert Williams, but unfortunately, he did not hear the warning. Tragically, Williams was fatally struck by the train.

Williams’ cell phone was found at the scene, and the investigation confirms that the train crew was operating within the designated limits for that section of the tracks. CSX Police responded to the scene and are collaborating with the sheriff’s investigators.

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Fatal train accidents: Dakota Williams struck, killed by CSX freight train near Utica

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