A tragic accident occurred on the afternoon of August 5 near the village of Zoar in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, claiming the lives of two young adults who were walking along a narrow railroad trestle bridge. The victims, identified as 20-year-old Hannah Smith of Tuscarawas and 21-year-old Jacob Bierwirth of Dover, were fatally struck by a Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway train.
According to the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office, the incident happened around 4:30 p.m. on a high, narrow trestle that crosses over the Tuscarawas River, the historic Towpath Trail, and state Route 212. The bridge, located east of Zoar near Tusky Valley Road, is not intended for pedestrian use and presents serious hazards due to its height, limited width, and lack of safety features.
Emergency crews from the Bolivar, Mineral City, and Strasburg fire departments responded alongside sheriff’s deputies. Upon arrival, responders discovered the bodies of Smith and Bierwirth beneath the trestle on the river’s west bank. Dr. Jeff Cameron, the Tuscarawas County Coroner, pronounced both victims deceased at the scene.
Sheriff Orvis Campbell shared preliminary details, explaining that the pair had been walking on the tracks when the train approached. The engineer reportedly initiated emergency braking upon spotting the individuals on the bridge, but the train was unable to stop in time to avoid the collision.
“The railroad is cooperating fully,” Sheriff Campbell stated. “This bridge is extremely narrow, elevated, and dangerous to be on. It simply should not be used by pedestrians under any circumstances.”
The bodies have been sent to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsies, which will help determine the precise causes of death and contribute to the ongoing investigation.
The trestle bridge, while a recognizable feature of the area, is part of an active and dangerous railway line. Though it may appear scenic or accessible, it is private property and not designed for foot traffic. Its elevation, narrow passage, and lack of safety structures make it especially perilous for pedestrians.
This devastating incident underscores the extreme dangers of trespassing on railway property. Trains often travel at high speeds and cannot stop quickly, especially on elevated structures like trestles where there’s no safe space to escape. Officials urge the public to stay off railroad tracks and bridges for their own safety and to respect railway boundaries.
As the community reels from the sudden loss of Hannah Smith and Jacob Bierwirth, local authorities continue to emphasize the importance of rail safety awareness to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Further details will be released as the investigation progresses and autopsy findings become available. The Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office is working closely with the railway company to gather more information and ensure a thorough review of the incident.