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Freight train kills bicyclist in Woods Cross, crews investigating incident

Posted at 7:10 AM, Dec 09, 2014
and last updated 2014-12-09 13:46:34-05

WOODS CROSS, Utah - Authorities are investigating after a Union Pacific train hit and killed a bicyclist early Tuesday morning.

Officials were called to the scene near 900 W. and 1500 S. where 49-year-old Jesse Western was hit by the freight train at about 5:45 a.m.

Union Pacific officials said the 95-car train was heading into Salt Lake City from Chicago.

It was dark and authorities said the conductor and crew did not see the victim until it was too late.

Investigators are working to figure out why the man was on the tracks when the train came through.

Woods Cross officers said Western had special needs and frequently rode his bike in the area early in the morning.

Union Pacific said it has sent three teams to investigate: one for the conductor and crew, another to check the warning devices and a third to check the train itself.

Check back with Fox 13 for the latest updates.