Man dies after being struck by a train

An investigation is underway after a man in dark clothing was run over by a freight train about 3 am Thursday morning, on Raymond Road (Road 28 1/2) near Ellis Street, just north of Madera, according to The Madera County Sheriff’s Department.

Spokeswoman and Community Service Officer Kayla Serratto said the unidentified man was seen lying across the railroad tracks by the engineer, but the train was unable to stop before hitting him.

“The man’s age, race and cause of death is unknown at this time, and will be determined by the coroner. No vehicle was found near the scene and the man had no identification on him,” Serratto said.

Serratto said it wasn’t known if the man may have lived in the area or been out walking, or been homeless, and nothing had been ruled out in the unusual incident.

“The coroner is working on the ID. Toxicology reports are pending. No alcohol or drug paraphernalia were found at the scene,” she said. “More information will be released as soon as it becomes available.”

According to residents, the dirt tracts of Ellis Street and Mattingly Street along the railroad tracks adjacent to Road 28 1/2 have long been a habitat for a large homeless encampment of shacks, tents, and broken down RVs, along with debris fires, squalor and drug overdoses.