Edward J. Newcomer dies in fatal Johnstown train strike

Edward J. Newcomer dies in fatal Johnstown train strike

Fatal Johnstown train strike death of Edward J. Newcomer

The full details of Edward J. Newcomer’s death have been released by the Cambria County Coroner’s office. The 38-year-old man, identified as a native of Nanty Glo, was residing in Johnstown at the time of his passing. According to officials, Mr. Newcomer was tragically killed after being hit by a train in the West End of the city.

An autopsy conducted by the Coroner’s office confirmed that Mr. Newcomer died from severe blunt force trauma affecting his head and torso. During a press briefing held Thursday, Coroner Jeff Lees stated that preliminary evidence indicates Mr. Newcomer was indeed struck by a train. However, the official classification of his death as an accident or something more is still pending a thorough investigation.

The ongoing probe intends to examine several aspects to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident. This includes reviewing footage from nearby security cameras, which investigators hope will provide crucial insights into what transpired. Coroner Lees remarked, “Our reliance on that surveillance video is key to understanding the situation, though we must acknowledge that the footage might not necessarily provide a definitive picture.”

Newcomer’s body was discovered by a train employee from Norfolk Southern on a westbound track line near Pennsylvania Avenue on Wednesday morning. Notably, the train crew member first observed the deceased individual and subsequently halted the massive locomotive to conduct an inspection. Given the considerable size of the train, clocking in at nearly 10,000 tons and extending over 12,000 feet, the stopping process required some time.

Upon returning closer to the body, the train worker recognized the unfortunate situation and promptly contacted emergency services by calling 911 for Cambria County. An autopsy was performed at a local forensic facility on Wednesday. The examination revealed that Mr. Newcomer likely remained beside the railway tracks for several hours after the collision.

Investigators found his personal belongings approximately ten yards from his position, along with a severely damaged bicycle positioned between the two adjacent tracks. There is currently no definitive information regarding whether the train made contact with Mr. Newcomer at the very front or at another location along its length.

Coroner Lees further explained that he consulted with local residents familiar with the West End area. These conversations confirmed that walking along the railroad tracks is a common route for people navigating between different parts of the neighborhood. Additionally, Norfolk Southern officials were briefed on the case. The company representatives informed authorities that it would be highly improbable for a train operator to fail to notice a person lying injured on the tracks.

As a standard procedure, Mr. Newcomer’s death is currently being treated as suspicious by the Coroner’s office, pending a confirmed determination. Johnstown police authorities have announced their intention to conduct interviews with relevant individuals connected to the incident. The Coroner emphasized the need to rule out any potential contributing factors, stating, “It is imperative that we ensure no prior events contributed to this tragic outcome.”

This incident marks the first fatal train-related occurrence in Cambria County since April 2022, when another fatality occurred at Carney’s Crossing in Washington Township. The Coroner’s office also handled a separate but equally tragic case in June 2024, involving a fatal train strike in Rockwood, Somerset County.