Girl Fatally Struck by CSX Train in Riverdale Park
Police said the 17-year-old was walking along the tracks north of the Queensbury Road crossing when she was hit.
Photos
Update, 11:01 p.m.:
Prince George's County Police have identified the victim as Mary Gaffney, 17, of Bowie.
The collision is believed to have been an accident, police said, as Gaffney was wearing headphones at the time she was struck.
NBC4 reports that the train was traveling about 35 mph when it hit Gaffney. The engineer reportedly made multiple unsuccessful attempts to warn her.
Original article:
Police say a 17-year-old girl was struck and killed by a train Wednesday night in Riverdale Park.
The victim was walking along the tracks north of the Queensbury Road crossing when she was hit by a northbound CSX freight train around 11:44 p.m., according to Riverdale Park Police Capt. Patrick Timmons. The train carried the girl some distance before coming to a halt, he said.
Emergency personnel found the victim unresponsive when they arrived at the scene. She was transported to Prince George's Hospital Center and later pronounced dead.
Timmons said it was initially difficult to determine whether the girl had been on the tracks by accident at the time of the collision.
The investigation has been turned over to Prince George's County Police. The victim's name has not been released.
Pachacutec
2:43 pm on Thursday, May 31, 2012
This is horrible; I have to question why none of the local news stations - NONE - have carried this story!? (as of this time)
Danny
5:06 pm on Thursday, May 31, 2012
there was a very detailed report on the incident within the first 2 minutes of the 5pm news on channel 4. it included an interview with the victim's father. the incident was clearly called an accident, not a suicide.
Jenni Pompi
2:45 pm on Thursday, May 31, 2012
So very sad.
mistie devan
5:25 pm on Thursday, May 31, 2012
this was my chickie, she was a close friend to my oldest daughter. she left my house last night to meet her boyfriend. i want to let her family know how sorry I am for not keeping her safe like we had promised her Father. I was sleeping when she left, I would not have let her go out so late. I will miss your beautiful smile, and goofy outfits. i love you my little angle,we will all miss you!!!!
Nicole E
8:29 pm on Thursday, May 31, 2012
was she a 2012 graduate of Bowie SHS yesteray ?
Terrie
5:52 pm on Thursday, May 31, 2012
Pat Buchanan from Channel 9 news was on site this afternoon at 5:00 pm
Ann Bacon
6:19 pm on Thursday, May 31, 2012
I mentioned that the police would call it a "suicide" because our family suffered the same situation and that is what was done to us. The tragedy is that the community uses the railroad as a shortcut to and from many places. This accident has happened many, many times. It is a horrible message to receive under any circumstance. My heart bleeds for the family. I understand your pain.
Nicole E
8:25 pm on Thursday, May 31, 2012
Can you tell me if she graduated from Bowie HS yesterday?
Heather Dougan
8:37 pm on Thursday, May 31, 2012
She did not graduate from Bowie HS yesterday, but she did go there.
Nicole E
8:58 pm on Thursday, May 31, 2012
Ironic that there was a senior that graduated yesterday with her same name. God bless her family. Praying for their comfort
Hugh Stogner
9:25 am on Friday, June 1, 2012
I'm _so _so sorry to read of this tragedy. I really feel for the family of the girl who died. But, may I also extend my sympathy to the train crewmembers. This is something that they'll live with for the rest of their lives. I've known a couple of engineers who'v'e also been involved in such accidents. Both could not resume their jobs and 1 of the guys, a very close friend, committed suicide because he couldn't stand the ongoing feelings of helplessness he felt. Hugh Stogner, Chandler Indiana
christi holley
9:34 am on Sunday, June 3, 2012
Still having a hard time believing this has happend to her. I hope she didn't suffer. Rest in peace mary. I love you, we all love you <3