Wetzel Man Killed by Train

PORTER'S FALLS - An 18-year-old Wetzel County resident died Monday evening after being struck by a train while walking on the railroad tracks.

Sheriff James Hoskins said Andrew Haslam, a 2008 graduate of Valley High School and resident of Porter's Falls, was wearing headphones while walking at about 6:55 p.m. and did not hear the audible warnings the engineer sounded to alert Haslam a train was approaching him from behind.

The engineer and crew also attempted to halt the northbound CSX train, but Hoskins said they could not stop it in the available distance. Haslam was struck and killed as a result.

Hoskins termed the accident a tragedy, noting he could not imagine what Haslam's family was going through late Monday.

"He was a very good kid, very well liked," Hoskins said of Haslam. "I feel for the family. They are in our prayers."

The accident occurred near the point where the tracks intersect Chiselfinger Ridge Road. Porter's Falls is located roughly in the center of Wetzel County along W.Va. 20, between New Martinsville and Pine Grove.

Hoskins said the incident, which occurred before dark, remains under investigation by sheriff's department Cpl. Roger Spragg and Deputy Eric Daugherty. Hoskins and Deputy Randy Adams also responded to the scene, along with crews from the Reader Fire Department, Wetzel County EMS and Wetzel Office of Emergency Services.