Man in Electric Wheelchair Dies After Getting Stuck on Railroad Tracks

A 59-year-old man died after his electric wheelchair became stuck on railroad tracks in Puyallup, Washington, on Thursday afternoon, police said.

The incident occurred at the North Meridian crossing when the man's electric wheelchair became immobilized shortly before 2 p.m. as a Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) train approached, according to Puyallup Police Department Captain Jeremy Hedrick.

Two witnesses attempted to help the man free himself from the tracks but were unsuccessful. The man was struck by the train and died from his injuries.

Hedrick told KIRO 7 that more information about the victim would be released after his family was notified.

Reports on social media identified the victim as Rich Lordier, with a man named Bud Lordier claiming on Facebook that the deceased was his brother. He described his brother as someone who had an "extremely rough life but he never gave up."

Another individual, who stated they knew the victim, wrote on Facebook that people tried to help him but he refused assistance. A resident who uses a walker, Bernese Larson, told King 5 that she navigates the same tracks carefully, using a technique to keep her walker's wheels from getting caught in the rails.

BNSF stated that the train crew was not injured in the accident. A spokesperson for the railroad emphasized the importance of safety around tracks, advising individuals to stay at least 15 feet away, use designated crossings, and never cross when signals are active or gates are down.

The Puyallup Police Department confirmed on X that the crossing would be closed during the investigation. Hedrick told KOMO News that at this stage, the incident does not appear to be intentional but rather a tragic accident. The department has urged witnesses to contact them with any information.

The investigation is ongoing.