ASHLEY, Ill. — A 57-year-old Ashley man was killed Friday morning after being struck by an Amtrak train while walking across the railroad tracks in downtown Ashley.
According to the Washington County Coroner’s Office, Gary M. Schindelar was pronounced dead at the scene at 8:45 a.m. Friday after he was struck by a northbound Amtrak train traveling approximately 45 miles per hour.
Schindelar had reportedly parked in front of the Ashley Market, went inside to purchase a few items, and then walked across the street and over the railroad tracks.
A few moments later he apparently crossed back over the tracks toward where his truck was parked when he was struck by the train on Railroad Street near the Madison Street crossing. His body came to rest 38 yards north of the point of impact. The cause of death was blunt force trauma.
The coroner’s office was dispatched to the scene at 8:27 a.m. Other agencies responding to the scene include Ashley Fire Department, Washington County Ambulance Service, Washington County Sheriff’s Department, Illinois State Police, Canadian National Railroad Police and the Washington County Coroner’s office.
The Canadian National Railroad Police and the Coroner’s office continue to investigate this case.