What began as a quiet evening stroll ended in tragedy for one family — and a heroic act by a teen. Residents in Fremont, Ohio, are reeling after a train struck a family of four walking on a railroad bridge. A 15-year-old boy jumped into action, saving a 1-year-old girl from the Sandusky River.
How the Tragedy Unfolded on the Bridge
According to 15-year-old Tyson Kieffer, he was walking a bike trail near Hayes Avenue on Sunday night when he saw a family trapped on a bridge meant only for trains.
“We just got to the end right by the bridge, and that’s when we saw the families yelling to the ones still on the bridge,” Kieffer told CBS42.
As a train approached, the family jumped into the river below. Kieffer sprinted into the water and spotted what appeared to be a small jacket floating.
Family Members Identified, Investigation Underway
Fremont police confirmed that the victims were from Fort Wayne, Indiana, and had been on a fishing trip along the Sandusky River. The 34-year-old mother, the 50-year-old grandmother, and the 5-year-old sister all died after being hit by the train.
On Monday, officials recovered the 5-year-old’s body under the bridge. The 1-year-old girl, rescued by Kieffer, was the sole survivor.
The incident is under active investigation. Fremont Mayor Danny Sanchez stated there is no evidence the family was fishing directly from the bridge.
Rail Company Responds, Community Mourns
Rail operator Norfolk Southern issued a statement expressing deep sorrow and confirmed it is cooperating with investigators.
By Monday night, a growing memorial near the bridge served as a tribute to the victims. Flowers, stuffed animals, and handwritten notes lined the area.
Teen Hero Reflects on Harrowing Moments
Kieffer’s quick thinking saved a life. Though shaken, he remains grateful he was nearby.
“She was so little; it just broke my heart seeing her like that,” he told reporters.
As the community rallies around the surviving child, many are calling Kieffer a hero.
Stay informed and follow us for more local updates.
This article was written by John Deluca. AI was used lightly for grammar and formatting, but the ideas, words, and edits are all mine.
