Authorities identify pedestrian fatally struck by train near River Road in Columbus
Authorities have identified the man fatally struck by a train Wednesday morning near 35th Street and River Road.
The victim is 41-year-old Michael Davis Sr., of Columbus, according to Muscogee County Deputy Coroner Elizabeth Allison. The Columbus Police Department is still investigating his death.
“Everybody at the Muscogee County Coroner’s Office sends our thoughts and prayers to the family,” Allison said.
Davis was pronounced dead just after 9 a.m. Wednesday. Officers with the Columbus Police Department, as well as inspectors from the Norfolk Southern Railroad were on the scene most of the morning investigating the incident.
Jonasat Hernandez, who owns an auto shop near the scene, told the Ledger-Enquirer he hears trains come by his business all of the time. Hernandez said trains tend to move rather slowly in the area and the horn is loud enough for anybody to hear.
“When the train comes through here, you hear it blowing. Immediately,” Hernandez said.
People of all ages cross the train tracks on their way to school and to go to local stores, Hernandez said. He said he’s seen cars get hit at the intersection, but never a person.
“I’ve never seen anybody physically hit out of a car. Never,” Hernandez said.
This story was originally published January 15, 2020 at 9:58 AM.