A man was killed when he was struck by a train on Thursday, December 14, as he was walking along railroad tracks on Georgia Avenue in Gainesville. The incident, which happened in the area of Industrial Boulevard, was reported to 911 just before 3:30 p.m.
A preliminary investigation by the Hall County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has determined two people were walking in the center of the track as a train approached them from behind. When the train conductor sounded the horn, one person moved to the side, but the victim continued to walk on the track. The conductor was unable to stop the train and the man was struck. He died at the scene.
Authorities identified him as 49-year-old Willie Howard Luna. HCSO officials say he was a member of Gainesville’s homeless community.
