Man Fatally Struck By Train In Nashville Identified

Press release from the City of Nashville:

May 19, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The pedestrian struck and killed Tuesday at 7:45 a.m. by a Music City Star commuter train is identified as James Irvin Mercer, 22.

The conductor, who saw Mercer walking toward the train on the railroad tracks between Anthes Drive and the Riverfront Park train station, applied the horn three times and activated the emergency braking system. According to the conductor, Mercer had his head down, did not look up, or take evasive action. Mercer’s cell phone and a pair of earbuds were located nearby. According to his employer, Mercer routinely walked with his head down and wore earbuds. Detectives presently believe the victim’s death is accidental.

Identification found on Mercer’s person listed him as homeless.

This press release was produced by the City of Nashville. The views expressed here are the author’s own.