Coroner looking for family after man was struck and killed by train in Erie

The crash happened about 9:25 a.m. Tuesday at the CSX tracks in the area of ​​West 12th and Cherry streets, Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook said.

According to Cook, the victim, 58-year-old George Heatherdale, was walking along the railroad tracks when a westbound train passed by and Heatherdale apparently did not hear an eastbound CSX train approaching and was struck by it. The accident was captured on video, Cook said.

Cook pronounced Heatherdale dead at the scene at 10:45 a.m. Tuesday. He ruled the death an accident.

Cook said Heatherdale was believed to be homeless, and Cook’s office is trying to find family. Anyone with information is asked to call the Erie County Coroner’s Office at 814-452-2911.