VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) — A 49-year-old woman killed after being struck by a train in Valdosta has been identified as Melissa Anne Johnson, of Valdosta, according to the Valdosta Police Department and Georgia State Patrol.

The incident happened around 10:20 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, in the 2400 block of Gornto Road.

Police said officers responded to the railroad tracks after a Norfolk Southern employee called 911 to report that a train conductor had struck a person.

When officers arrived, they found a deceased person near the railroad tracks. Evidence collected at the scene determined the victim was a 49-year-old woman, according to police.

A trooper was dispatched to a possible fatal accident involving a train and a pedestrian. A Norfolk Southern train was traveling northbound and, according to the conductor, Johnson was laying across the tracks. Johnson died from her injuries. Her vehicle was located a short distance away from the tracks.

Due to the nature of the incident, Valdosta police requested the Georgia State Patrol respond to investigate. Norfolk Southern investigators were also notified.

This is such a tragic event, and we have the family of the victim in our thoughts and prayers.

The investigation has since been turned over to GSP and Norfolk Southern. Valdosta police said no additional information is being released at this time.

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