Train injuries claim life of Michigan man

7/24/2001

A Michigan man who was hit by a Norfolk Southern freight train in West Toledo Sunday night died soon thereafter in St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center.

Patrick Cullen, 46, of Dearborn Heights, was declared dead because of internal injuries suffered in the incident at 9:55 p.m., Dr. James Patrick, Lucas County coroner, said yesterday.

The train's crew reported seeing the man lying between the rails of the track near West Sylvania Avenue and Canada Southern Street about 8:30 p.m., but the train could not be stopped in time to avoid running over him.

While there were no initial indications of foul play, the circumstances under which Mr. Cullen came to be lying on the track remained unclear yesterday, Dr. Patrick said. Investigators planned to interview the man's family to get more information about the situation, the coroner said. An autopsy, including toxicology tests, is pending.