Man, 60, hit and killed by CSX train

An Ocala man was killed when he was struck by a CSX train early Thursday. The deceased has been identified by Marion County Sheriff's Office deputies as Charles William Smith, 60.

The incident occurred near the 6300 block of South Pine Avenue (U.S. 441) shortly before 12:30 a.m. Deputies arrived on scene after receiving the call and searched for the victim. They found Smith laying next to the railroad tracks behind the Dollar General, officials said.

Two years ago, 43-year-old Ocala resident Troy Michael Summerfield was hit and killed by a CSX train in the area of where Smith died. The death was ruled accidental, deputies said in a final report.

What happened?

Speaking with the train officials involved, deputies were told the train was northbound when both the conductor and engineer saw two people walking their bicycles next to the tracks.

The horn was honked to alert the persons, who heard the noise, according to the report. One individual was noticed on the outer edge on the west side of the track. The individual, who didn't appear to look up or move, was hit by the train, deputies said.

Train death:Final report: Pedestrian death on Ocala train tracks has been classified as accidental

Officials stopped the train and notified law enforcement.

Contact Austin L. Miller at 867-4118, austin.miller@starbanner.com