Dalton McMillen, 33, was found dead at the scene, while the 12-year-old girl survived with serious injuries
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NEED TO KNOW
- Dalton McMillen, 33, died saving a 12-year-old girl after they were both struck by a train in Ohio on Feb. 13, according to family members
- McMillen was found dead at the scene, while the girl survived and was transported to a local hospital
- An investigation is ongoing
A 33-year-old man died, but a 12-year-old girl survived after they were both struck by a train in Ohio.
“It’s a true miracle she’s here,” Angel Franklin told ABC affiliate WSYX of her granddaughter, McKenna, who was seriously injured in the train crash on Friday, Feb. 13, in Marion.
The little girl is expected to recover, but her rescuer, Dalton McMillen, did not survive.
That Friday, around 8:40 p.m. local time, officials received a call from the railroad company CSX saying a train had hit two pedestrians near the Kenton Avenue crossing, according to a statement from the Marion Police Department shared with PEOPLE.
When officers arrived, they found McMillen dead at the scene, officials said. The 12-year-old girl, who was seriously injured, had to be extricated from underneath the train and was later transported by helicopter to a hospital in Columbus.
An investigation is ongoing, and the Marion Police Department had no further updates to share when contacted by PEOPLE.
In a separate statement obtained by PEOPLE, CSX said the collision occurred when the train "came into contact with two individuals who were on the tracks near Kenton Ave."
"CSX extends its deepest sympathies to everyone impacted by this tragic incident and will continue to support local law enforcement as they complete the investigation," they added, noting that the train crew reported no injuries.
The company went on to emphasize the importance of rail safety.
"It is very important for motorists and pedestrians to always practice safe behavior when near tracks and trains. The only safe place to cross tracks is at a designated public crossing with a crossbuck, flashing red lights or a gate," they continued.
The tragic incident occurred when McMillen, a family friend, and McKenna were walking close to the tracks on their way to get candy from a store in Marion, WSYX reported. Franklin — whose boyfriend is McMillen's roommate — told the outlet that the pair were struck by the train and pulled underneath.
McKenna, who spent time in the ICU recovering from a concussion and a brain bleed, later told her grandmother that McMillen used his own body to protect her.
When reached by PEOPLE through a GoFundMe created to cover medical expenses, McKenna's father said she just got home and is "improving greatly."
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A GoFundMe was also created to support McMillen’s family.
The creator, who identified herself as the man's sister, said that they are “completely devastated” by his death.
“My brother Dalton McMillen died admirably and is a true hero for laying his life down to save a child,” wrote Holly Wheeler-McMillen. “God bless him and you all.”
Read the full article here
