BIBB COUNTY, Ga. — A tragic train incident in Bibb County on Saturday morning claimed the life of a 59-year-old man, now identified as Kenneth Kelly. According to Coroner Leon Jones, Kelly, who was experiencing homelessness, was struck and killed by a train while on or near the railroad tracks along Riverside Drive.
Deputies with the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 800 block of Riverside Drive around 11:00 a.m. following a report of a deceased individual found by the tracks. Upon arrival, they discovered Kelly’s body and confirmed he had been hit by a passing train. Investigators say the circumstances of the incident suggest it may have been a suicide, though the investigation remains ongoing.
Kelly’s body was transported to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Crime Lab for an autopsy. Officials hope the results will shed more light on the exact cause of death and determine whether the fatal incident was intentional. No additional information regarding potential witnesses or surveillance footage has been released.
This incident has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of unhoused individuals, who often face increased exposure to hazardous environments such as active rail lines. Advocates point out that those experiencing homelessness are particularly vulnerable to accidents and mental health crises.
Community organizations are renewing calls for enhanced outreach, housing support, and mental health services for people living without shelter. “We need to do more to protect our most vulnerable,” said one local advocate. “It’s heartbreaking to see lives lost when there could have been an opportunity for intervention and help.”
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office has not released further statements but is expected to provide updates once autopsy findings and additional evidence become available.
Kelly’s death serves as a sobering reminder of the risks faced by those on the margins of society and underscores the ongoing need for comprehensive solutions to homelessness and mental health support in the community.
