Lower Bucks Co. Man ID'd As SEPTA Train Strike Victim

LOWER SOUTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP, PA —The Bucks County Coroner's Office has identified the man who jumped off a Pennsylvania Turnpike Bridge and was struck and killed by a SEPTA train last week.

David Sykes, 32, of Feasterville, was identified Friday after Lower Southampton Township Police notified the victim's next of kin, the coroner's office said.

Around 7 a.m. last Thursday, Sykes jumped off the turnpike bridge and onto the tracks of SEPTA’s West Trenton Line, between the Trevose and Somerton stations.

SEPTA officials said he was struck by a train traveling inbound — from West Trenton to Center City.

Emergency personnel immediately responded, but Sykes was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.

SEPTA officials said there were about 80 passengers on the train. No one was injured, and the passengers were transferred to another train.

SEPTA's System Safety Division conducts a full investigation that examines the actions of personnel and the functionality of SEPTA equipment.

"Our preliminary findings show all protocols were followed and all equipment was functioning normally," SEPTA spokesman Andrew Busch said.