07/10/09 La Pine
On 7/10/09, at about 0020 hrs, the Deschutes County 911 Dispatch Center received a report of a subject being struck by a Burlington Northern-Santa Fe train at the Wickiup Junction intersection. Deputies from the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, assisted by the Oregon State Police, Lapine Fire Department and ODOT responded to the scene.
Investigation revealed that the train, consisting of thirteen flatbed cars and one locomotive, hauling track repair equipment, had been northbound when it struck the victim as he lay on the tracks approx. 150 ft south of the railroad / Highway 97 intersection. Speed of the train was consistent with railroad policy of 49 mph for the area, along with the audible warning blasts from the engine crew. The crossing arms and signaling devices at the intersection were in proper working order at the time. The victim, identified as 80 year old Normand Gaudet, was deceased at the scene.
The highway was closed for approx. 1 ½ hours, as the train had stopped blocking the southbound lane of Highway 97, and the crossing arms were in the down position.
Investigators from the Burlington Northern-Santa Fe railroad, as well as a relief crew, responded to the scene and at about 0330 the train was released from the scene.
UPDATE:
The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office investigation has confirmed that Gaudet likely took his own life by placing himself in the path of the oncoming train. The sheriff's office has conducted interviews and obtained physical evidence that support suicide as the likely manner of death. No evidence has been found to suggest that this case was accidental, a homicide, or otherwise criminal in nature.
The sheriff's office will continue this investigation by working with the medical examiner's office to determine if drugs or alcohol were factors in this incident.
Anyone with information relating to the victim or the circumstances of this incident are encouraged to contact the detectives division of the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office at 693-6911.
