Plymouth man and dog killed when struck by Amtrak train Tuesday night

PLYMOUTH, Ill. — The Hancock County Sheriff’s Department responded to a report of a train hitting a pedestrian near Plymouth at approximately 6:18 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27.

A preliminary investigation revealed that a northbound Amtrak train struck a male subject identified as Aaron R. Atkins, 42, of Plymouth. The incident occurred just north of Plymouth. Atkins was attempting to cross the railroad tracks on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) when the vehicle became stuck. While attempting to remove the ATV from the tracks, Atkins was struck by the oncoming train.

Atkins and his dog, who also was at the scene, were both pronounced deceased.