Episode 6: Train vs Pedestrian
The Tragedy on the Tracks: Unraveling the Case of an Unfortunate Accident
Dr. Roland Kohr, a seasoned forensic pathologist, brings decades of experience to his gripping podcast Kohroner Chronicles, where he shares the complexities of life, death, and everything in between. In this episode, Dr. Kohr revisits a case from Vigo County, Indiana, a haunting incident involving a tragic death on the railroad tracks near Terre Haute. Despite clear evidence pointing to an accident, the victim’s family remained steadfast in their belief that foul play was involved. This case demonstrates how the non-homicide cases can sometimes be more challenging than solving outright murders.
The Scene: A Journey Across the Wabash River
The victim was a man in his mid-30s from West Terre Haute, a community across the Wabash River known for its economic struggles compared to its eastern neighbor. On the night in question, he embarked on an evening of modest revelry, armed with $40 in his pocket. Witnesses later reported seeing him visit a local bar, consume a few drinks, and purchase marijuana before beginning his walk back home.
As a figure well-known to local law enforcement, the man likely wanted to avoid attracting attention. Instead of crossing back via the U.S. 40 bridge—near both City Hall and the Sheriff’s Department—he opted for a quieter, riskier route: a nearby railroad trestle. This decision would prove fatal.
Discovery of the Body
An eastbound freight train crossing the trestle made the grim discovery in the early hours of the morning. The train engineer spotted a figure lying face-down between the tracks. Despite slamming on the brakes, the train could not stop in time. Tragically, the train struck the man, causing catastrophic injuries. The low-hanging hoppers of the grain cars snagged his body, pulling him underneath the train and leaving behind a scene of devastation.
Dr. Kohr was called to the scene at dawn. Reaching the site required climbing a steep embankment alongside the tracks—a physical challenge even for a young and physically fit Dr. Kohr. Once there, he documented the remains: extensive fractures to the ribs, spine, pelvis, and skull, alongside significant internal injuries. The man’s clothes had been torn away, likely during the impact, and no personal effects were recovered at the site.
Forensic Findings and Initial Conclusions
The autopsy confirmed the extent of the trauma. Toxicology tests revealed alcohol in the victim’s system, as well as traces of marijuana. Based on the evidence—his position face-down between the rails, the absence of defensive wounds, and the likelihood of intoxication—Dr. Kohr concluded the death was a tragic accident. The victim had likely tripped on the uneven ties of the trestle, knocking himself unconscious. His position between the rails, rather than across them, further supported the theory of an accidental fall.
The Family's Refusal to Accept
The victim’s family, however, refused to believe the conclusion. They were adamant that their loved one had been murdered. They argued it was implausible for him to have walked onto the trestle and fallen, asserting instead that someone must have carried his body there. Dr. Kohr countered their claims, pointing out the immense effort it would take to transport a man weighing over 200 pounds up the steep embankment. He also emphasized the victim’s position on the tracks—face-down between the rails—was consistent with an accidental fall, not a staged crime.
Still, the family remained unconvinced, clinging to their belief in foul play.
The Struggle of Acceptance
This case highlights a common challenge in forensic pathology: families often struggle to accept accidental or self-inflicted deaths. While homicide provides a tangible outlet for blame, accidents and suicides leave behind a void filled with unanswered questions. Dr. Kohr notes that this resistance is an all-too-familiar pattern, particularly in cases involving alcohol, drugs, or risky behavior.
Dr. Kohr’s final determination classified the death as accidental. Despite the family’s objections, the evidence left no room for doubt in his professional opinion. He documented the findings thoroughly but at the same time reassured the skeptical family that the case could be revisited if new evidence emerged.
Lessons from the Tracks
The tragedy of this case is twofold: the untimely loss of life and the emotional toll on the family, unable to accept, regardless of the evidence, the circumstances of their loved one’s death. Dr. Kohr’s account sheds light on the delicate balance forensic pathologists must maintain—piecing together evidence with scientific rigor while navigating the raw emotions of those left behind.
Through cases like this, Kohroner Chronicles reveals the technical aspects of forensic pathology and the human stories behind the headlines. Dr. Kohr’s commitment to uncovering the truth, no matter how challenging, reminds us of science's vital role in making sense of life’s most heartbreaking moments.
Tune in to the latest episode of Kohroner Chronicles to hear Dr. Kohr's detailed retelling of this case and more insights from his storied career as a forensic pathologist.