Galesburg man killed by freight train

GALESBURG -- A freight train struck and killed a Galesburg man who was trying to cross the tracks near downtown.

Galesburg Police say they were notified Tuesday that 39-year old Erick Stevenson was pronounced dead at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

Police tell WGIL Radio that Stevenson tried to walk cross the tracks and beat a westbound freight train when he was hit. Police say Stevenson was initially taken to Galesburg Cottage Hospital but later was transferred to Peoria.

Authorities say the train was stopped for a time while it was inspected, but it was eventually deemed OK and sent on its way.

No one else was injured.