WATERFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WJBK) -
A man was struck and killed by a train as he walked along the tracks in Waterford Township. We've learned the man was listening to music through his earphones when he was killed.
The accident happened near the intersection of Frembies Road and Riverside Drive.
It's not unusual to see people walking along
those train tracks, but unfortunately that's exactly what cost Kevin
Bickford his life.
"We just [saw] a couple kids out here earlier,
and Frank warned them to please be careful because there was somebody just killed here yesterday," said Jennifer Bickford, the victim's sister.
Thursday, she walked along the same tracks
where her brother lost his life. She was searching for some of his
belongings and comfort in the face of tragedy.
"So many people loved him. He didn't go
anywhere without somebody knowing him."
For 45-year-old Kevin Bickford, the train tracks
were a regular shortcut.
"It was nothing unusual for him to hop on the tracks
and take a walk."
However, Wednesday afternoon was different. Waterford Township Police
say Bickford was walking on the tracks, but a train was not far behind. Employees
at a nearby flour shop believe the conductor was trying to get his
attention.
"You can tell when you sense there's
somebody that might be on the tracks because they're more aggressive with their
horns. Yesterday, I understand from my employees that it was the most aggressive
that they've heard," said Steve Erdodi.
However, Bickford was wearing headphones and may not heard the train's horn until it was too late.
"Witnesses say that they blew the train whistle
and he moved a little bit, but not enough," Jennifer Bickford explained.
Her brother died instantly. SkyFOX captured the
horrific scene. His family says this was not suicide. It was a tragic accident.
"He was so excited that summer was here and we had all these plans to do
things, and he loved life and he wouldn't do that. He wouldn't
do that to his family," his sister remarked.
Right now, Bickford's family is in the process of
planning his funeral and are hoping this tragedy serves as a
warning to so many others.
Kevin Bickford
