Authorities trying to determine circumstances that led to death of 24-year-old
By RUSSELL TURNER
Herald Editor
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A 24-year-old New Augusta man was killed early Tuesday morning after being struck by a train near his home.
Perry County Coroner Mike Malone confirmed that Franklin Wayne Johnson was killed by a passing train around 4:30 a.m. Tuesday near McCree Crossing at Old Hwy. 24 near the Mahned Community. The Perry County Sheriff’s Office reported being contacted by the train’s conductor concerning the incident.
Sheriff Mitch Nobles said Wednesday his office is investigating the matter. It is unclear why Johnson, who lives nearby, was on the train tracks.
“It is a tragic situation,” Nobles said. “Our hearts go out to the family.”
Nobles said few other details were available at this time. Malone said Wednesday that Johnson’s body had been sent to the state crime lab for an autopsy and that he hoped to have preliminary results within a few days.
