Police Identify Teen That Was Struck, Killed by Train in Fenton

Police have identified the teenager that was Monday evening.

Lt. Jason Slater said Audrey Seigle, 17, of Fenton died after being hit by a train around 7 p.m. Monday on the train tracks west of the U.S. 23 overpass.

Slater said the investigation of the incident is ongoing.

“There are a lot of unanswered questions,” Slater said.

He added that Fenton Police were meeting with Canadian National Railway (CN) officials Thursday to try and determine which way Seigle was walking and when and if she noticed the eastbound train, which was traveling from Gaines to Holly. CN officials are also trying to determine the speed of the train and how the brakes were applied in the incident, he said.

Slater said the initial investigation shows Seigle was at the time of the collision. He said police believe there were no witnesses to the incident, because the impact occurred in a wooded area difficult to see from the road or nearby parking lot. Slater said police believe many people did witness the aftermath of the incident from North Road and Silver Lake Road once the train stopped near the U.S. 23 overpass.

Fenton resident Alexis Burton said she walked by the scene shortly after it happened. She tweeted that she had trouble sleeping Monday night.

"It's so sad and something that has scarred me to see," she tweeted. "Makes me really open my eyes."

Police have interviewed people that knew Seigle well, Slater said. He declined to address details to whether she was hearing impaired or listening to headphones.

Slater said people have been known to .

“We try to address it when we see it,” he said. “It is illegal and an arrest-able offense. I urge all people to stay of the railroad tracks.”

He said there was fatality in the same area around eight years ago when it is believed two people left a local bar in the early morning hours and used the railroad tracks as a shortcut home when they were struck and killed by a train.

Supporters have started a “Rest in Peace Audrey Seigle” page on Facebook and filled it with messages, songs and pictures.

Friend Rachelle Smith posted, “Rest in peace Audrey. You were a great friend, and person. I will cherish all of the fun memories we had! I miss you so much! You had a beautiful personality. I always enjoyed our conversations and when we hung out. Love you!”

Kyla Beneke posted, “Thank you everyone for your support with my sister. All I have to say is that I miss her so much and nobody can ever replace her.”

A gathering in memory of Seigle will be held Friday from 1 until 8 p.m. at Borek Jennings Funeral Home, Hamburg Chapel, according to the Borek Jennings Funeral Home website. The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at Shalom Lutheran Church Shalom Lutheran Church, 1740 East M-36 in followed by burial at the Fairview Cemetery in Brighton, according to the site.

Many supporters left messages on the Borek Jennings guestbook page as well.

“Audrey you were my friend. You are my friend and this was a terrible thing that has happened to one of the if not the most friendliest and loving and caring person that I have ever met in my life. You will be dearly missed by all, rest in peace my dear friend,” posted JJ Highfield.