The Athens Police Department is investigating the death of a man who was hit earlier tonight by a train near the intersection of U.S. 72 and Jefferson Street.

Chief Floyd Johnson said two people were on the elevated tracks when the incident occurred at about 7:23 p.m. When first responders arrived on the scene, they found a deceased male in his 50s on the west side of the track.

A female friend who was with the victim told investigators they saw the light and heard the train, but believed it to be much further away than it was.

“She said they were sitting on the track eating when they realized the train was closer than they thought,” Johnson said. “She said she was able to get out of the way but he was not able to before the train struck him.”

The victim’s identity has not been released because the next of kin had not been notified as of shortly before 11 p.m. Johnson said his department would continue to investigate the incident.

The News Courier will have more information as it becomes available.