Police Release Identity Of Atmore Man Struck And Killed By Train

February 7, 2019

Atmore Police have identified a pedestrian struck and killed by a train Wednesday afternoon in Atmore.

Eric Edwards Smith, 40, was hit about 1 p.m. by a westbound CSX train at the Martin Luther King Avenue railroad crossing, parallel to Highway 31. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Witnesses said Smith was walking or standing on the tracks at the crossing, according to Atmore Police Sgt. Robby Williams. The crossing arms were down, the signal lights were flashing and the train sounded its horn numerous times but Smith did not get out of the way of the oncoming train, Williams said.

Atmore Police and CSX are continuing to investigate.

The train came to a stop about four-tenths of a mile away, near the Second Avenue crossing. The Martin Luther King crossing remained blocked for hours.

NorthEscambia.com photos. click to enlarge.

Comments

7 Responses to “Police Release Identity Of Atmore Man Struck And Killed By Train”

  1. Stumpknocker on February 10th, 2019 11:27 am

    I would hate to have been that engineer operating that train, to see what can’t be avoided coming, and witnessing death of another. I hope he’s or she’s ok.

  2. Chris Paul on February 8th, 2019 4:24 am

    Sounds like suicide by train.
    SAD.
    Please please never commit suicide.
    It hurts so many others.
    YOUR life matters.!!
    GET help. Call 911, do something,
    Suicide is not the answer !!

  3. lone chief on February 7th, 2019 10:08 pm

    Lu, not to make light of the situation…truly sad but, a multi million pound vehicle with metal wheels and metal track vibrate a LOT!!! The ground shakes as a 4+ earthquake level within 300 feet. If I was at a 100 decibel Who concert I could still FEEL the train. I hope and pray his family find some peace after their grieving.

  4. 429SCJ on February 7th, 2019 10:04 pm

    What ever the circumstance, this is a sad tragedy.

    Prayers and condolences

  5. Lu on February 7th, 2019 3:39 pm

    He Could have had headphones on and just didn’t hear or notice it coming. RIP and God help his family

  6. Master Mechanic on February 7th, 2019 3:34 am

    Am wondering …… if person slipped & was hit ? Why near tracks in first place,not like you can’t hear train coming?????
    My Condolences

  7. Charlotte Bates on February 6th, 2019 8:22 pm

    There was an incident about a year or two ago where a teenager stepped in front of a train on purpose. It broke my heart for his family. A day or so later, I saw, what I believed to be, his family, and the young girl, which was either a girlfriend or a sister, had to be held up, as she was so distraught about what happened. I am so sad for the family of this person. I am praying that God will be with them during this most difficult time.