Missing Dearborn woman killed by train
An elderly woman with dementia died Thursday after being hit by a train while officers were searching for her.
Dearborn Police Department officers received a call around 10 a.m. Aug. 27 reporting that the woman had wandered from a home in the 5600 block of Hartwell Street.
As officers began searching, emergency dispatchers received reports that a woman had been hit by a train near Miller Road and Southern Avenue in the city’s south end, police said.
Officers found her on the railroad tracks, where she was pronounced dead. A preliminary investigation determined she was the same woman reported missing earlier that morning.
“The Dearborn Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the woman’s family and loved ones following this tragic loss of life,” a news release from the police department read. “We ask that the community respect the family’s privacy as they cope with this devastating loss.”
Police said Thursday that the investigation remained open.
Michigan wrongful death law after a fatal train collision
Michigan’s Wrongful Death Act permits an action when another party’s wrongful act, neglect or fault causes a death. The personal representative of the deceased person’s estate must bring the action.
Liability is not automatic. An investigation after a fatal train collision may examine where the person entered the tracks, whether a public crossing was involved, sightlines, warning devices, horn use, train speed and which entities owned or controlled the train, tracks or crossing. The person’s conduct can also affect responsibility.
Deadlines and notice requirements depend on the underlying claim and possible defendants. Michigan Legal Center’s resource on Michigan wrongful death deadlines explains why estate authority and defendant-specific deadlines need individual review.
Get help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates handles personal injury and wrongful death matters, including potential claims involving train and railroad collisions.
Anyone whose family member died in a Michigan train collision can Contact Michigan Legal Center to ask whether the matter is within Michigan Legal Center’s practice areas.
There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.
Families can also learn more about Michigan wrongful death deadlines.