Cochrane RCMP await video footage from Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) to establish cause of death from a July 16 incident that ended the life of 18-year-old Jesse Dostaler, who was struck by a train around 5:50 p.m. while walking along the tracks in the East End.
The Eagle, in the online story last weekend, initially identified the deceased as a female (based on information provided at that time). We have since been advised that the family wishes to identify Dostaler as a male, as he was a transgendered individual.
It has been reported by RCMP that earbud headphones were located near the body following the collision; it is yet to be determined if Dostaler was wearing the headphones when he was struck.
Traffic within the town of Cochrane was brought to a near standstill as a result of the collision. All at-grade rail crossings were blocked by the train, which was stopped for approximately one hour. The only way traffic could cross the CPR tracks was via the Highway 22 bridge, where peace officers were working to direct the highly-congested intersection with Highway 1A.
Traffic began to move shortly after the RCMP investigation, which took around two hours.
RCMP wish to remind people to ensure they use controlled crossings when passing over railway tracks.
It is estimated that between 24-30 trains travel through Cochrane daily.
See the obituary for Jesse Dostaler in this edition of the Eagle for more information.
An older dog was struck and killed by a train July 19.
Around 10 a.m., Cochrane RCMP responded to an incident on the CPR bridge located around 1 km west of the community of West Pointe (between Horseman Creek and Grand Valley Road).
It was reported that two males, ages 45 and 49, were walking their dogs eastbound along the tracks.
The men and the younger of the two dogs narrowly avoided being struck by a westbound train, but the older canine was killed by the train.
One of the men sustained minor injuries and is recovering.
The train tracks are private property belonging to CPR and those who choose to walk the tracks or cross at uncontrolled crossings may be prosecuted for trespassing.
According to the RCMP, CPR police are looking at laying trespassing charges on the two males under the Provincial Act, which carries a fine of $287 per offence; they may choose to pursue trespassing charges under the Railway Act, which carries a fine of up to $5,000.
A charge for making an unsafe turn is pending on the driver of a vehicle who was involved in a three-vehicle collision involving a motorcyclist July 19.
Cochrane RCMP responded to the collision at Hwy 22 and Balsam Ave. in Bragg Creek around 5 p.m. A northbound motorcycle on Hwy 22 had collided with a vehicle turning left from Balsam onto the highway; the turning vehicle then collided with a stationary vehicle in traffic that was travelling southbound on Hwy 22.
The 44-year-old male motorcyclist was transported to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Traffic congestion at the intersection was reported to be high at the time of the incident. Alcohol and speed were not factors.
A 70-year-old female driver and her passenger from Airdrie have been released from hospital, recovering from serious injuries incurred from a two-vehicle collision July 19.
Cochrane RCMP and EMS responded to the collision around 5:30 p.m. near Horse Creek Road, along Hwy 1A.
A pick-up truck and car were both travelling eastbound on the highway, when the truck slowed down due to heavy congestion stemming from the Hwy 1A and 22 intersection.
The car, a Honda Civic, ran into the back of the truck; this caused the air bags in the car to deploy, resulting in serious injuries to the 70-year-old female driver and her passenger. Both individuals were transported to Foothills Hospital via ambulance.
The 28-year-old male and 23-year-old female occupants of the truck, both from Airdrie, were treated on scene for minor injuries and were released.
While alcohol is not believed to be a factor in this collision, RCMP continue to investigate.
