6 People, Including Child and Single Mother, Hit by Train en Route to Family Funeral: ‘When It Rains, It Pours’

Six People Involved in Train Incident on the Way to Tennessee Family Funeral

A tragic accident befell a family in Tennessee as they were en route to mourn the passing of a loved one. Katelynn Gooden and five family members were travelling to her grandmother’s funeral in Bartlett, Tennessee on April 17 when their vehicle was struck by a train, as per reports from FOX 13 Memphis, Action News 5, and a GoFundMe set up by a family friend.

The collision occurred when the family, riding in a limousine, was travelling to the funeral service. According to local alderman Kevin Quinn, the train collided with the vehicle at the intersection of Stage Road and Sycamore View. The limousine suffered severe damage on its passenger side after crashing into a tree near the railroad. There were no crossing gates observed at the intersection. All six family members, including a child, were taken to the hospital with injuries, and two other vehicles were also affected by the accident.

The collision led to the closure of a major intersection in Bartlett for several hours. The City of Bartlett Police Department did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding the incident. A GoFundMe campaign was launched to assist Gooden, a single mother with a 3-year-old daughter, who sustained a severe fracture preventing her from walking. The fundraiser has raised nearly $5,000 of its $5,500 goal as of April 20.

Despite the shocking nature and tragic timing of the incident, a relative stated that all involved are expected to recover. The family had been waiting at a funeral home for the arrival of the limousine carrying grandchildren and children of the deceased when news of the collision reached them. The heartbreaking incident left the family reeling, with one member expressing their disbelief at the turn of events.

An investigation by CSX, the transportation company of the train, is underway to determine the cause of the collision. The lack of crossing gates at the intersection has raised concerns about safety, though the City of Bartlett reassured residents about the intersection’s security. CSX has not yet responded to requests for comments from news outlets.

The community has shown support for the family during this difficult time, with donations pouring in to aid Gooden’s recovery. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictability of life’s challenges and the resilience of families facing adversity.

Tragic accidents like these highlight the importance of safety measures at railway intersections and the need for vigilance while navigating such areas. The family’s journey to bid farewell to a loved one was marred by unforeseen circumstances, emphasizing the fragility of life and the strength found in unity during trying times.

As the community rallies around the family to support their recovery, the incident serves as a poignant reminder to cherish each moment with loved ones and to remain vigilant in ensuring safety during travel and everyday activities. The road to healing will be long, but the outpouring of generosity and well-wishes offers a glimmer of hope in the midst of tragedy.