HOLLAND, Mich.– Monday night a man from West Michigan was hit and killed by an Amtrak train along the lakeshore. It happened around 9:30 at the railroad crossing by Lincoln Ave. and 17th Street in Holland. Police say the engineer spotted a man lying by the tracks and tried to stop but just couldn’t in time.
The victim is 52-year-old Ricky Pickett from Holland, his family says he was riding his bike back from his friend’s house when he must have fallen and hit his head, that’s why he couldn’t hear the train coming.
Holland police say it’s still hard to say what exactly happened and those un-answered questions leave a family broken. Pickett’s sister, Diane Vannuil said “he was a good guy he loved his kids he loves outdoor sports he helped anybody out he would give his shirt off his back to help anybody.”
Pickett, who died in the hospital this morning from head injuries, leaves behind five kids and three grand-children. One of Pickett’s daughters, Marcia said he was “very kind hearted and bubbly person always there for you no matter what no matter what you did he would always stand by you just loved to fish and camp and loved nature just loved to do out things.”
His family says he had deteriorating disease but that didn’t stop him from living life and doing what he could for his family. His other daughter Crystal Victory said “he always wanted to the best for us and he always made sure he had everything for his kids.”
There were passengers on the Amtrak train but no was hurt. Holland police say the incident remains under investigation. Police say an autopsy hasn’t been completed yet but they do believe alcohol was a factor.
