An EMU student was struck and killed by an Amtrak train, Thursday, just before midnight. According to a press release from the university that was emailed across campus, the victim was a young woman between the ages of 19-20 from Brownstown, Mich. and was a resident of Hill Hall.
“Our thoughts and sympathy are with the victim’s family and friends,” the press release said.
The Ypsilanti Police Department is handling the investigation. The identity of the student will not be made public until the investigation is completed.
YPD said in its press release, “Upon arrival officers observed an Amtrak train was stopped on the railroad tracks just west of Leforge. Investigation from both YPD and Amtrak investigators found the body of a 20 year old female nearby.”
According to the YPD, Eastern Michigan University’s Department of Public Safety was looking for the unidentified student “after receiving a call to check on her well-being, reference possible suicidal tendencies.”
The student’s body was taken by the medical examiner. The EMU Division of Communications refused to make any further comment beyond the press release.
EMU’s Counseling and Psychological Services will be offering grief counseling in response to this loss, in Snow Health Center. They can be contacted at 734.487.1118. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1.800.273.8255.
Attempts by the Eastern Echo to contact the YPD police chief, Tony DeGiusti, were unsuccessful at this time.
