42-Year-Old Chapmanville Man Killed in Logan County Train Incident
Logan County, WV – A tragic accident claimed the life of Darrel “Ace” Freeman, a 42-year-old resident of Chapmanville, who was struck by a train near the Logan County Country Club late Tuesday night. The Logan County Sheriff’s Department confirmed Freeman’s identity and stated that the fatal incident occurred around 10 p.m. along the CSX railway line.
According to authorities, Freeman was walking directly on the tracks when the train approached, a situation recorded by the train's forward-facing camera. The footage revealed that the train's engineer sounded the horn multiple times, desperately attempting to alert Freeman. When Freeman showed no reaction, the engineer deployed the train’s emergency brakes in a final attempt to avert the collision. Despite these emergency measures, Freeman remained on the tracks, and the train struck him fatally.
The reasons behind Freeman’s lack of response remain uncertain, leaving a series of unanswered questions as investigators work to understand the circumstances leading up to the tragedy. The Logan County Sheriff’s Department has indicated that no signs of foul play have been detected in the preliminary stages of their investigation. However, the department has not ruled out any potential contributing factors, such as Freeman’s physical or mental state at the time, which might have influenced his ability to respond to the approaching train. Toxicology reports and further forensic evaluations will likely play a role in clarifying the sequence of events.
CSX Transportation, the railway company operating the train involved in the collision, has expressed deep condolences to Freeman’s family and has initiated an internal review to complement the local authorities’ investigation. In a statement released on Wednesday, CSX underscored its commitment to safety and pledged full cooperation with the ongoing investigation. The company’s review will encompass an analysis of the train’s operational data, including speed and braking patterns, and a re-examination of the audio and visual recordings to provide a comprehensive picture of the tragic accident.
Freeman's death has sent shockwaves through Chapmanville, where he was a well-known and familiar presence. Friends and family remember Freeman as a man with a strong connection to his community, and local residents have expressed sorrow and disbelief at his sudden passing. Social media tributes and community gatherings have offered a space for mourning, as neighbors and friends share memories and reflect on his life. Logan County Commissioner Joe Harmon noted that Freeman’s passing is a “tremendous loss to the community” and extended heartfelt condolences to the Freeman family on behalf of local officials.
In light of this tragedy, the Logan County Sheriff's Department has made a public appeal, urging anyone who may have information or who might have seen Freeman in the hours leading up to the incident to come forward. This additional information could aid in piecing together Freeman’s last moments and shed light on his state of mind.
Railway safety advocates highlight this incident as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by railway tracks, particularly in regions where tracks intersect with pedestrian areas. Despite increased safety protocols, pedestrian fatalities on railways remain an ongoing concern across the country. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) reports that incidents involving pedestrians on tracks are responsible for a significant portion of railway fatalities annually. Officials from the FRA underscore the importance of public awareness around rail safety, especially in areas like Logan County, where trains pass close to populated neighborhoods and local landmarks.
As the investigation progresses, Freeman’s family and friends continue to mourn the loss of a beloved community member. For now, they are left to process a tragedy that raises painful questions with few immediate answers.
