Police release name of man, 23, hit and killed by train in East Rochester
EAST ROCHESTER, N.Y. — East Rochester Police have released the name of the 23-year-old man hit and killed by a train on Saturday.
Noah Law was hit by an Amtrak train in the Village of East Rochester while he was walking home from work around 2:45 p.m. Police say Law was walking along the railroad tracks, tripped, and fell onto the tracks. The train crew tried to avoid from hitting him but, according to police, the collision was unavoidable.
The train was traveling from New York City to Toronto. In a statement, Amtrak said there were no reported injuries to the about 135 passengers and crew aboard. An Amtrak spokesperson said the company is working with local law enforcement to investigate.
The collision happened near West Commercial and North Washington streets, which was taped off for hours on Saturday as police, the fire department, and CSX personnel investigated.
East Rochester Fire Chief Jim Diego said they’ve had multiple people struck on the tracks in the past year.
“The biggest thing is, the train tracks are for trains, they’re not for pedestrians,” Diego said. “And the safety is paramount. I told someone earlier today. Train tracks, they’re for the trains, so stay off the tracks. There’s a reason why.”
The Amtrak spokesperson cited information from the Federal Railroad Administration, noting that trespassing along railroad rights-of-way is the leading cause of rail-related deaths in the U.S., and railroad-crossing incidents are the second leading cause of rail-related deaths in the U.S.
The East Rochester Police Department provided this statement about the deadly collision:
“This heartbreaking accident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by walking or being near railroad tracks. The tracks, while appearing quiet or inactive, can become hazardous within seconds. Walking, running, or taking photos on or near the railroad tracks is not only extremely dangerous but also considered trespassing on private property.”
“Railroad tracks are specifically designed for trains, and even when trains appear distant, they can approach faster and more quietly than expected, leaving little time to react. The safety of everyone near railroad rights-of-way depends on strict adherence to safety protocols and an understanding that these areas are restricted.”