Second man killed by train this week
5 cars wreck looking on

Joe Kolb
Staff Writer

GALLUP — For the second time in three days a pedestrian was struck and killed by a Burlington Northern-Santa Fe train while he attempted to stand up on the tracks. Thursday night's incident also contributed to a five-car pileup on East Highway 66.

At 8:08 p.m., an unidentified Native American male was sitting on the westbound railroad tracks adjacent to the Silver Stallion Saloon, 2604 East Hwy 66, facing south when he was struck by a freight train.

Joy Woolman from the Office of the Medical Examiner said the 1.8 mile-long train was traveling 68 mph and although the victim attempted to get up, the train's engineer was unable to stop the train.

"At this time we don't think it was a suicide," Woolman said, adding that the man was told to leave the Silver Stallion Saloon four to five times earlier because he was intoxicated.

Woolman said the victim had no identification. She said he is a Native American male between 30-40 years old, about 5'10" and between 250 to 275 pounds. He did not have any distinguishing marks or tattoos but he was wearing a blue sweatshirt, blue jeans and black hiking boots. She said anyone who may have information about the victim should call McKinley County Sheriff investigators Mike Fousek or Pat Martinez at 505-722-7205.

The victim was found on the south side of the railroad tracks resting against rocks and bushes inches from a steep arroyo.

"It's a terrible shame," said a BNSF employee who refused to give his name. He said he has been working in Gallup four days and has already had two fatalities. Donald Shay, 54, Ganado, was struck and killed by a BNSF train Tuesday at the Third Street railroad crossing.

While one incident was being investigated, another was unfolding. About 9 p.m. a five-vehicle chain reaction pile occurred while eastbound drivers were looking at the accident scene from East Highway 66.

"I was driving home from school in the left lane and saw traffic slowed, so I tried to change into the right lane," said Delbert Brown, 31, a UNM-Gallup student from Church Rock. "I couldn't change lanes because there was a car in the right lane," said Brown who hit a 1996 Toyota Camry in front of him.

Brown's Ford pickup slammed into the back of Geri Eastman's car obliterating the truck to the back seat. Brown's front right wheel was off the ground resting on the back fender. Eastman was taken to a local hospital for observation.

Sitting dazed in his Pontiac Sunfire was Andy Ben, 23, Church Rock. Ben's car sustained significant front end and windshield damage after hitting an SUV in front of him. "I guess people were looking at the railroad tracks," said Ben with the deployed airbag draped on his lap.

After Gallup Police completed sorting out the accident scene, a total of five vehicles were involved and three people were taken to area hospitals. One official said the injuries didn't appear to be severe.

By about 9:45 p.m., the accident scene was cleared while deputies, Woolman and MedStar personnel struggled to remove the victim. Slow deliberate steps were required to walk along the rock arroyo ledge in the dark illuminated only with flashlights.

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