On the afternoon of August 5, a tragic incident unfolded near the village of Zoar in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, when two young adults were struck and killed by a Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway train while walking on a narrow railroad bridge.
The victims have been identified as 20-year-old Hannah Smith of Tuscarawas and 21-year-old Jacob Bierwirth of Dover. According to the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office, the fatal incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. on a high, narrow trestle bridge that spans the Tuscarawas River, the historic Towpath Trail, and state Route 212.
The bridge, located just east of Zoar between the village and Tusky Valley Road, is not designed for pedestrian use and poses a significant risk to anyone attempting to cross it on foot. Emergency responders from the Bolivar, Mineral City, and Strasburg fire departments were dispatched to the scene, along with deputies from the sheriff’s office.
Upon arrival, authorities located the victims’ bodies on the west bank of the river beneath the trestle. Tuscarawas County Coroner Dr. Jeff Cameron was called to the location and pronounced both Smith and Bierwirth deceased at the scene.
Sheriff Orvis Campbell provided initial details about the tragedy, stating that a preliminary investigation indicates the two individuals were walking along the railroad trestle when a train unexpectedly approached.
The train engineer reportedly saw the pair and immediately initiated emergency braking procedures. Unfortunately, due to the size and speed of the train, it could not come to a stop in time, resulting in the fatal impact.
“The railroad obviously is cooperating very much, but this is a very narrow, elevated bridge, dangerous to be on foot. This is something none of us should be doing,” Sheriff Campbell emphasized in a public statement. He noted that the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway is fully cooperating with investigators as the incident remains under active review.
The bodies of the victims have been transported to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsies. These examinations will help determine the exact causes of death and may contribute to a fuller understanding of the sequence of events.
The railroad trestle itself is a well-known structure in the area, used frequently by trains but not intended for pedestrian traffic. It presents numerous hazards, including its height, narrow width, and the absence of any safe walkways or escape platforms.
The bridge’s proximity to the scenic Towpath Trail and the river may make it appear accessible or inviting to walkers or sightseers, but it remains an active and dangerous part of the railway network.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with trespassing on railroad property. Railroads are private property, and walking on tracks or bridges is both illegal and potentially deadly. Trains cannot stop quickly, and bridges such as the one involved in this accident often leave no room for individuals to move out of the way.
As the community mourns the loss of Hannah Smith and Jacob Bierwirth, local officials and first responders urge the public to respect railway boundaries and avoid trespassing on train tracks or bridges. Educational efforts continue to be crucial in preventing similar tragedies in the future.
Authorities have not released further details pending the completion of the investigation and autopsy results. The Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office is expected to provide additional information as it becomes available.
