Coroner searching for family of people who died after being hit by a train in Erie

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

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

Heatherdale was pronounced dead at the scene at 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, Cook said. He decided the death was accidental.

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