UPDATE | Pedestrian struck by train in Lowellville identified

LOWELLVILLE

Sources have confirmed for The Vindicator the identity of the person struck and killed by a train just after 6:30 a.m. today.

Caitlyn Compton, a student who attends Lowellville and Mahoning County Career and Technical Center, has been identified as the victim.

The accident occurred near the intersection of Cooper Street and Youngstown-Lowellville Road. The Mahoning County Coroner's office responded to scene and pronounced Compton dead.

A news release from the coroner's office said a hand-written note in Caitlyn Compton's pants pocket "suggests that this was an intentional act."

Neighbors who live near the tracks didn't hear anything unusual this morning. Renee Haggerty has lived in her Youngstown Lowellville Road home for less than two years but in the village for 10.

"You get used to the train," she said. She said she was awakened by her dogs' barking at flashing emergency lights.

Cheryl Westfall has lived in her Cooper Street home a few doors down for about 10 years. She said she was awake but didn't hear anything unusual.

Neighbors said that about 10 years ago, a man committed suicide by jumping in front of a train.

The identity of the girl, who attended both Lowellville High School and the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center, hasn't been released. Village Police Chief Rick Jamrozik said the department expects the girl's identity to be released by the Mahoning County Coroner's office. Police are working with the coroner, school officials and representatives of CSX railroad in the investigation.

Ron Iarussi, superintendent of the MCCTC and county Educational Service center, said counselors are at the career center today and will be at Lowellville High School tomorrow. That school is closed today.