Man hit, killed on tracks

Wendy Alexander/The Madera Tribune Crews investigate the scene of a fatality on the railroad tracks near Ninth Street and Gateway Drive.

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A Hispanic man in his late 20s to early 30s was killed Thursday about noon as he lay across the railroad tracks near Ninth Street and Gateway, according to the Madera Police Department.

Sgt. Mark Trukki said the man was seen by the train operator lying prone across the tracks and the train was unable to stop.

“We are attempting to identify the man and locate his family or next of kin. There is also the possibility he may have been one of the homeless individuals in the area. Alcohol is under investigation as a factor in the death.”

Trukki encouraged anyone considering suicide or harming themselves to reach out for assistance at the many local social service agencies or at the hospital. Assistance and treatment options are available, he said.