DELAWARE — The pedestrian killed Wednesday afternoon after being struck by a train in Delaware has been identified as 17-year-old Michael V. Townsend of Delaware, according to a city press release.
The Delaware County Coroner’s Office, with assistance from the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office, identified Townsend following the Nov. 4 incident near the CSX railroad crossing at West William and Toledo streets.
Townsend’s family contacted Delaware police at 12:16 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, to report that he had left home the previous day and had not returned as expected.
According to the city, the clothing and personal items described by family members matched items recovered at the scene, helping investigators establish Townsend’s identity.
“Investigators believe Townsend may have been traveling to a friend’s residence and utilized the railroad tracks as a more direct route,” the city press release states.
Police initially believed the victim was an adult male. Officers responded to the crossing around 3:14 p.m. Wednesday after receiving a report of a pedestrian struck by a train.
“Upon arrival, officers found a train stopped on the tracks and a deceased individual with no identification,” the city press release states.
“The preliminary investigation indicated the pedestrian had been walking southbound on the tracks immediately prior to being struck by a southbound train.”
In a previous statement to Delaware Source on Nov. 4, CSX Media Relations Manager Jonathan Stuckey confirmed none of the train’s crew were injured due to the incident.
“CSX extends its deepest sympathies to everyone impacted by this tragic incident and will continue to support local law enforcement as they complete the investigation,” Stuckey previously said.
The train remained stopped at the scene, blocking traffic at the West William Street and Park Avenue crossings for several hours while investigators examined the scene.
At 8:36 p.m. on Nov. 4, Delaware Police Chief Adam Moore told Delaware Source the train had been moved and the Delaware Public Works department was collecting their equipment.
The investigation remains ongoing.
