A Scenic Walk Turns Fatal: Young Lives Lost in Railroad Tragedy Near Zoar
What began as a peaceful afternoon stroll turned into an unimaginable tragedy on August 5 near the historic village of Zoar in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. Two young adults—20-year-old Hannah Smith of Tuscarawas and 21-year-old Jacob Bierwirth of Dover—were struck and killed by a Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway train while walking along a narrow trestle bridge. The high and elevated structure spans the Tuscarawas River, the Towpath Trail, and Route 212—a spot both scenic and dangerous, but not meant for pedestrian access.
Authorities say the train engineer spotted the pair on the bridge and applied emergency brakes, but it was too late. Due to the train’s momentum and the narrow confines of the bridge, there was no space for Hannah or Jacob to escape. They were pronounced dead at the scene, their bodies found beneath the trestle on the west bank of the river.
Emergency crews from Bolivar, Mineral City, Strasburg, and deputies from the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene, alongside Coroner Dr. Jeff Cameron. The shock and sorrow surrounding this incident have deeply shaken both families and the wider community.
Two Bright Futures Stolen: A Community in Mourning
Hannah and Jacob were young, vibrant individuals, full of life and promise. Their sudden and tragic deaths have left families heartbroken and friends reeling. Those who knew them describe them as kind, adventurous, and full of dreams. Their lives were just beginning, filled with potential that now will never be realized.
The railroad trestle, while visually striking, is perilous—narrow, elevated, and completely lacking any safety pathways for walkers. Sheriff Orvis Campbell emphasized in his statement that such structures are not meant for foot traffic, calling it “a dangerous place no one should be.” The Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway has fully cooperated with investigators, but this devastating event has renewed urgent calls to educate the public about the dangers of walking on or near train tracks.
As their loved ones prepare for final goodbyes, the emotional weight of this incident is being felt across the region. Two young souls are gone too soon, and the silence left in their wake is deafening.
A Heartbreaking Lesson: Stay Off the Tracks—It’s Not Worth the Risk
This tragedy is not just a local loss—it’s a heartbreaking reminder of how swiftly life can be taken when safety is compromised, even unintentionally. Railroad property is private and often deadly. Trains are deceptively quiet and fast, and trestle bridges like the one near Zoar leave no margin for error.
The deaths of Hannah Smith and Jacob Bierwirth underscore the urgent need for public awareness. No photo, shortcut, or thrill is worth the irreversible cost of a life. As the investigation continues and autopsy results are awaited, officials continue to plead with the public: respect railway boundaries.
Let Hannah and Jacob’s story be a powerful reminder—trains can’t stop in time, but we can stop ourselves from making fatal choices. May their memories inspire safety, awareness, and lasting change.
