Milladore Man Dies After Laying on Tracks
For the City-Times
The Portage County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a 52 year- old man in Rudolph who was killed by an oncoming train.
The victim, identified as Milladore resident Richard D. Gathercoal, had been laying between the tracks when the train hit his body. According to the train conductor, the emergency brakes were activated but Gathercoal’s body was dragged for about 100 yards.
Gathercoal died from massive internal trauma.
The accident occurred near shortly before midnight near County Highways P and N in the Town of Eau Pleine. Deputies from the Sheriff’s Office, Rudolph Fire and Rescue, and an ambulance all responded to the scene.
According to the family, Gathercoal suffered from dementia. The Sheriff’s Office is investigating but foul play is not suspected.
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