Sharon Matusiak Obituary, Death – Authorities in Lorain, Ohio, are currently investigating the tragic death of a local woman who was struck and killed by a train in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The incident has prompted an official inquiry by the Lorain Police Department to determine the circumstances that led to the fatal event.
The victim, identified as 64-year-old Sharon Matusiak, was pronounced dead at the scene after being hit by a Norfolk Southern freight train. According to Sgt. Tom Orlosky of the Lorain Police Department, the collision occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. at a railroad crossing located on Leavitt Road, situated between Edith Street and West 21st Street. This particular stretch of track runs through a mixed residential and commercial section of the city and is a known location for both vehicular and pedestrian rail crossings.
Preliminary findings from the police investigation suggest that Matusiak was either walking on or in very close proximity to the railway tracks at the time of the incident. While the exact reasons for her presence near the tracks remain unclear, officials have confirmed that all warning systems at the crossing—including the signal lights and the barrier gates—were operating correctly when the train approached.
The police are working to piece together a timeline of events that led to the fatal collision. Investigators have not yet determined whether Matusiak was attempting to cross the tracks, was unaware of the oncoming train, or if there were other contributing factors, such as environmental conditions or possible distractions. Authorities have not commented on whether drugs, alcohol, or a medical emergency may have played a role, but those factors are often explored in incidents of this nature.
The Norfolk Southern train involved in the incident was reportedly moving through the area as part of its regular freight operations. Officials have not disclosed the train’s speed at the time of impact, nor have they indicated how long it took for the train to come to a complete stop after striking the victim. The train crew is said to be cooperating with the investigation, and representatives from Norfolk Southern are also expected to work with local law enforcement to provide technical information and records, including video footage, which could shed light on what happened.
Sharon Matusiak, a longtime resident of Lorain, is remembered by neighbors as a quiet individual who often kept to herself but was a familiar face in the neighborhood. Friends and residents in the community expressed shock and sadness upon learning of her death, with some noting that the train tracks in that area have always posed potential danger due to the frequency of train traffic and the complexity of the crossing.
In light of the incident, local officials are urging caution around railway areas and reminding the public of the dangers of walking near train tracks. Trains can approach more quietly than expected, and due to their size and speed, they require a considerable distance to stop once brakes are applied. The incident underscores the importance of observing all warning signs and signals at railroad crossings and staying clear of the tracks, even if trains don’t appear to be nearby.
Police are continuing their investigation and are asking the public for help. Specifically, they are looking for anyone who might have seen Matusiak in the area before the train arrived or who witnessed the actual collision. Individuals who may have relevant information are being encouraged to reach out to the Lorain Police Department’s traffic bureau by calling 440-204-2115.
Incidents involving pedestrians and trains are not uncommon and often result in fatal outcomes due to the sheer mass and force involved in train operations. According to the Federal Railroad Administration, hundreds of people are killed each year across the United States after being struck by trains while walking on or near the tracks. These incidents are often referred to as “trespasser incidents,” as railway tracks are private property, and walking along them is considered illegal and unsafe.
While it remains unclear whether Matusiak was intentionally on the tracks or wandered into the area by accident, her death serves as a sobering reminder of the potential consequences of being too close to active railway lines. Police are expected to release further details as more information becomes available, including any findings from the medical examiner’s office or further review of surveillance and train data.
For now, the community mourns the loss of one of its own, and authorities are committed to conducting a thorough investigation to provide answers to Matusiak’s family and to the public. The Lorain Police Department has assured the community that all leads will be followed, and that every effort will be made to understand the factors that led to this tragic event.
Anyone with knowledge of the incident or who may have seen anything unusual around the time of the collision is strongly urged to assist the investigation by contacting the Lorain Police traffic bureau.