(La Porte County, IN) - A pedestrian was killed last night after being struck by a freight train on tracks in the Union Mills area.

 

La Porte County Coroner Lynn Swanson said evidence in the case strongly indicates the woman took her own life after investigators talked to members of her family.

 

“They indicated she had some mental breakdowns recently in the past and had spoken about suicide,” she said.

 

She said police also reached out to her earlier in the day in response to concerns the family expressed about her welfare.

 

“She refused any help from them,” she said.  

 

Swanson said the 50-year-old woman resided in Lafayette.

 

According to La Porte County Police, she was hit on the Canadian National Railroad tracks. The train was eastbound when the two-member crew, between Indiana 39 and Long Lane, noticed an object some distance ahead on the tracks.

 

Attempts were made to stop the train when the crew, as they drew closer, determined what they saw was a person. Swanson said the woman’s vehicle was found about a mile and a half from where she was struck.