Man Killed By Amtrak Train In Ashley

The Office of Washington County Coroner Mark Styninger released the following statement this afternoon:

At 8:27 a.m. on Friday, September 1, 2017 our office was dispatched to downtown Ashley for the report of subject who was struck by an Amtrak train.

Gary M. Schindelar, 57, of Ashley, was pronounced dead at the scene at 8:45 a.m. by Washington County Coroner Mark Styninger.

Schindelar had parked in front of the Ashley Market and went in to purchase a couple of items.

He then walked across the street and over the railroad tracks.

A few moments later, Schindelar crossed back over the tracks towards where his truck was parked when he was struck by a northbound Amtrak train traveling approximately 45 mph.

This occurred on Railroad street near the Madison street crossing.

The body came to rest 38 yards north of the point of impact.

Cause of death was blunt force trauma.

Agencies on the scene were the Ashley Fire Department, Washington County Ambulance Service, Washington County Sheriff’s Department, Illinois State Police, Canadian National Railroad Police and the Washington County Coroner’s office.

The Canadian National Railroad Police and the Coroner’s office continue to investigate this case.