Albany Teen Killed by Train

The victim was identified as Sara-Tessa Raechelle Lytle, from Albany.

(ALBANY, Or.) - Linn County Sheriff Bruce Riley reports his deputies are investigating the death of a 16-year- old girl that was struck and killed by a train near Highway 99E and Beta Drive, Albany.

On March 29, 2014, at about 11:10 p.m. the Sheriff's Office 9-1-1 Dispatch Center received a call from a Union Pacific Railroad employee reporting that a person was walking south on the railroad tracks in a dark, unlit area. The caller told dispatch that the person was struck by a southbound freight train traveling approximately 40 MPH. The train was estimated to be about one mile long and the rear train cars were still blocking Ellingson Dr. after the train was able to come to a stop.

The victim was identified as Sara-Tessa Raechelle Lytle, from Albany.

Emergency Personnel from the Tangent Fire Department and Linn County deputies searched the area and located Lytle near the railroad tracks at about 11:26 p.m. The investigation reveals that Lytle was alone at the time she was hit by the train.

Lytle was a student at West Albany High School. The school district advises that grief counseling is in place for students returning to school tomorrow.

AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home removed the body from the scene. The investigation is continuing.

News Release from Linn County Sheriff's Office