UPDATED: Coroner identifies Arcola man struck and killed by train in Tolono | News

Sign up for our daily newsletter here

PHILO – The man struck and killed by a train in Tolono on Wednesday has been identified as Michael J. Dixon, 32, of Arcola.

Champaign County Coroner Steve Thuney said Thursday that Mr. Dixon was pronounced dead at the scene – 837 County Road 1500 East, Tolono – at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday.

According to the preliminary investigation, Mr. Dixon was walking westbound along the railroad tracks when he was struck. Witnesses said he did not respond to the train’s horn before he was struck, Thuney said.

Champaign County Sheriff’s officers were dispatched at 2:09 p.m. Wednesday after receiving a report that a homeless man was “causing problems” for an employee at a Marathon gas station at 102 S. Lincoln St. in Philo.

Upon arrival, officers saw a man matching their description walking along nearby railroad tracks.

Before they could question him about the incident, the man was struck by a passing train about a quarter mile east of where the tracks intersected with County Road 1500 East.

“Officers approached the scene as the train came to a stop and immediately began life-saving efforts, which were ultimately unsuccessful,” the sheriff’s office said. “The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division at 217-384-1213. You may also contact Champaign County Crime Stoppers at 217-373-TIPS, 373tips.com or through the P3 Tips mobile app.