WINTER HAVEN, FL — A 37-year-old man was killed after being struck by a CSX train Thursday night in Winter Haven, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded at approximately 8:20 p.m. on July 9 to the railroad tracks northeast of the intersection of 2nd Street North and 2nd Eloise Terrace.
Investigators said the victim, who appears to have been homeless, was found dead at the scene with blunt force injuries to his head, shoulder, and back.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the CSX train had departed from Auburndale and was traveling south toward Lake Wales at approximately 35 mph. The train’s engineer reported seeing the man walking southbound along the left side of the tracks and sounded the train’s horn several times to warn him. Investigators said the man continued walking along the tracks and did not appear to acknowledge the approaching train before he was struck.
An autopsy will be performed to determine the official cause of death. Authorities are working to locate and notify the victim’s next of kin. The investigation remains ongoing.
Source: Polk County Sheriff’s Office
