Woman killed by train on Arkadelphia trestle

By Donna Hilton Published: Wednesday, August 30, 2006 2:21 PM CDT The trestle over the Ouachita River in east Arkadelphia was the scene of a fatality early Wednesday morning.

[Terry Walker]

This was a tragedy that we as a family have to deal with. It has been made aware to us that this tragedy could have well been avoided, that it is a popular hang-out for the young people of Arkadelphia, the Police are very aware of it, and the Railroad itself is aware that children are often seen on the tracks in this area. Why then has nothing been done to protect the young people who foolishly want to go there? How impossible is it to slow the train down to a safer speed? Why can't lights be installed to illuminate the bridge, making it less attractive to the youth as a hang-out? Why aren't the local authorities actively patrolling and trying to deter kids from going there? Why did Casey, a beautiful, energetic, and talented young lady, have to sacrifice her life amend this problem area?

[Jeff]

A friend of mine told me about this the other day, because he used to hang around Casey and a bunch of her friends. He didn't even know about it until one of his friends told him, because he haden't been in contact with anyone for so long. Although I didn't know Casey, this type of thing still bothers me. My brother used to fool around on that same bridge when he was young, and about maybe 40 or 50 years ago a man was killed by a train on those same tracks. If one more teenager ends up dead, the city is going to end up with a lawsuit on their hands. My sympathy goes to the family!

[William]

In my opinion the parents should be responsible for their childrens location if they are to young to know better. At some age the individual has to take it upon themselve to make decsisions. I don't see how the blame can be placed on the Police or the Railroad. Bottom line is you are not supposed to be there, especially at 1:00 AM. I can't tell in the photo, but I'm sure that the two signs on either side of the bridge warn of the dangers and fines of trespassing on the bridge.

[Jeff]

Parents can't keep up with their kids every move, Casey was in college, and was picked up at her dorm. Her parents probably thought she was safe inside her dorm, while they were sleeping at home whenever this happend. How was her parents supposed to know she was really out with friends on a bridge where she shouldn't of been? when it comes down to it, Casey was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Yes she should of known better, but I don't blame the parents for what happend to her. And yes I blame the authoritys for not atleast trying to put a lid on this situation, and I might add they haven't done so yet. I live in Arkadelphia, and have been to this bridge several times. I don't recall seeing any kind of signs posted. Theres never any kind of police in the park area where you can clearly see the bridge. The police in this town are terrible. All they really care about is catching speeders, and thats about the extent of it!

[Girl]

Yes, it's the police's fault for not having someone stationed at that bridge 24/7, clearly. It's also the city's fault for not posting signs (as if that would stop any strong-minded college students from doing what they want) indicating danger when the danger should be clear and apparent to anyone with half a brain. Blame should not be placed anywhere. Not even on Casey. We've all done something stupid to put ourselves in some sort of danger at one point of our lives or another. We're human. It's what we do. Casey was unlucky, but that doesn't mean the police or town don't care or should be held responsible for an adult decision an adult woman and two men made to willingly put themselves in danger. The notion is idiotic.