The victim, a 39-year-old Missouri native, was the eleventh person since 2003 to throw himself in front of a PATCO Speedline train, a spokesman said.
By Matt Skoufalos | January 12, 2017
Lindenwold Local. Credit: Michael Hicks: https://goo.gl/yZdvez
A four-hour interruption in PATCO Speedline service at the Broadway station in Camden City on December 27 was determined to have been the result of a suicide, according to a spokesman for the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA).
DRPA Corporate Communications Officer Mike Williams said the victim was a 39-year-old Missouri man who had family in the area.
The death marked the eleventh time someone has jumped in front of a Speedline train since 2003, Williams said.
Last year, PATCO installed public service signs with contact information from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline throughout its stations in response.
The incident occurred just before 4 p.m., and PATCO had restored full service through Broadway by 8 p.m. During that time, some 6,570 commuters affected by delayed or suspended service were diverted to NJ TRANSIT buses, which accepts PATCO tickets for their fares, or ride-sharing services and taxis.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline logo. Credit: NSPL.
Williams said PATCO will continue to notify passengers of delays and other interruptions to service via text messaging, social media channels, and on its website.
He said PATCO performs an internal review after every incident “to assess and evaluate our response.”
As for the drivers of trains that have struck and killed someone, Williams said they are eligible for confidential counseling and coping interventions through an Employee Assistance Program that’s managed by a local health care system.
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