Archive through October 20, 2002
TV ClubHouse: Archive: UPDATE ON TRAIN ACCIDENT FATALITY:
Archive through October 20, 2002
Machellewatches | Saturday, October 19, 2002 - 05:18 am     First, let me start off by saying thanks to all of you for you posts, kindness and advise. I too am proud to be part of this board. I just want you all to know that I have printed out everyones posts and they will be read at his service today. I do have some information regarding the accident and I will try as best as i can to summarize it. When the chaplain came to see me, he was just given a brief teletype as to what happened, I asked him to give me more information. He called the trooper who investigated the accident and told the chaplain to tell me that he was killed instantly, (and that he was taken to a funeral home there in Lockhart, but the next day when i called the funeral home to see when i could see him, I was told that an autopsy was performed and he had not yet been released.) However this did not turn out to be the case and unfortunately his statement on the news was that he was alive, with massive head injuries but later died. I should also tell you that i called the trooper and asked him why i was not not notfied that an autopsy was being performed. He said "I know that you were greiving and I did not want to bother you". I can't post what i said to him, but i was not nice. I asked him if their were crossing bars and flashing lights and i was told that there was not. The kicker of this all is that I recieved a call from Union Pacific Railroad and they ultimately stopped by to offer their condolences. The were under the impression that it was an employee that worked for us, but my husband was the company, him and myself. Their business cards state they were from the claims department. I told them that i was worried about children and paying for the burial and they responed with a "well when you are ready, we have more information on the investigation". I told them that the only thing i needed to know was that a train killed my husband and thanked them for coming by. The service is at 1:00 today. Again, though we do not know each other, I thank you for your support. I was so shocked to see all of the posts and I am so grateful to you all. I will keep you all abreast of what is happening as I can. Again, my family thanks you and wishes you all well. Sincerely, Machelle (mods sorry for the long post) |
Hillbilly | Saturday, October 19, 2002 - 06:29 am     Machelle Machelle ..I'm so sorry for your loss. The railroad may try to get you to sign a release from responsibility. Don't sign anything from anyone during this time unless you are absolutely sure you know what you are signing and have read it thoroughly. |
Hermione69 | Saturday, October 19, 2002 - 07:03 am     Machelle, I have no words except to say you are in my thoughts and prayers. Hermione69 |
Grannyg | Saturday, October 19, 2002 - 07:08 am     Machelle, My husband works for another railroad and I would advise strongly not to sign ANYTHING at all for right now. The railroad will certainly try to settle with you quickly but be real careful signing or listening to anything they say or ask you to sign. ALWAYS have someone with you, an attorney would be ideal, when you talk to them. I know you need financial assistance right now but maybe your local bank can help you out by letting you pay your bills and such stuff until you get some benefits from Social Security or other entitlements. Also check with your bank and see if there is some kind of extra benefit that comes with your checking account for accidential death. Don't know if your bank does that but mine does. It is a $10,000 benefit and anything would help right now. I can assure you dealing with the railroad will be a long drawn out process and they WILL NOT be helpful. I hope you have family close to you so that someone will be available to help you. My prayer group is praying for God to send you someone to help you with all of this legal stuff and to know the right thing to do. |
Hillbilly | Saturday, October 19, 2002 - 08:50 am     Granny Great advice about not meeting with the railroad alone. It's certainly easier to pressure someone when they are alone and upset. People usually think twice about pressure tactics when there is an objective witness present. |
Theowl | Saturday, October 19, 2002 - 09:00 am     Machelle, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your children this afternoon. We are here for you if you need to talk (type) later. Give your kids a big hug for us, and let them know we are thinking of them, too.  |
Itsallgood | Saturday, October 19, 2002 - 10:52 am     Machelle, you and your family are in my thoughts today. Ty for the update. This has to be emotionally draining on you. You take care and remember you always have a place to come to for help and comfort. denise :-) |
Wiseolowl | Saturday, October 19, 2002 - 11:24 am     Machelle : just one more thought about the situation . Depending on the circumstances, there might not only be redress against the RR, but also against the municipality/ county depending on who is responsible for flashers, warnings etc. The reason I mention that is here in Canada the limitation period for suing a municipality is very short and within days you have to give written notice even of your intention to start a suit. I'm sure this is the last thing you want to do or even be thinking about at this time but I think it reinforces the need for you to get legal advice very quickly. |
Lumbele | Saturday, October 19, 2002 - 11:27 am     ((((((Machelle)))))) |
Shanga | Saturday, October 19, 2002 - 01:29 pm     Machelle you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers today. I am very sorry to hear of your loss. I will be praying for you all. |
Lancecrossfire | Saturday, October 19, 2002 - 01:30 pm     Machelle, thank you very much for taking the time to stop in and post this update! I know you have so much going on, and so many feelings and emotions inside right now. The above advice is very good. Again, I am so sorry for the loss of your husband. We are here for you if you want to come back and vent just need a place to be with people who care. |
Ladytex | Saturday, October 19, 2002 - 03:40 pm     Machelle, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. |
Tess | Saturday, October 19, 2002 - 04:18 pm     {{{{Machelle}}}} My prayers are with you and your precious children.
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Twiggyish | Saturday, October 19, 2002 - 04:49 pm     ((Machelle)) I am adding my thoughts and prayers, too. Please know we are here for you. |
Scootersmom | Saturday, October 19, 2002 - 04:53 pm     {{{Machelle}}} I am so saddened by your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your children. |
Hippyt | Saturday, October 19, 2002 - 06:35 pm     That is excellent advice Granny gave you. Thank you for updating us Machelle. I really can't imagine the position you are in .I have young children too,and your husband was the same age as mine. I just feel so terrible for you. Please do keep us updated when you have the chance. Take care,and God bless you and your family. |
Queenfish | Saturday, October 19, 2002 - 07:28 pm     machelle-I am so sorry for your loss. I am keeping you and your family in my prayers. |
Lurknomore | Saturday, October 19, 2002 - 11:13 pm     Machelle I just saw this thread and had missed your earlier posting. I wish I could give you a great big hug and find any words that could ease your pain. I too will keep you in my thoughts and prayers, and if you ever need an ear or shoulder please feel free to use mine. I agree there was much good advice on here...don't do anything in any rush now. Just take time to mourn you husband and heal with your children. Give yourself some time before facing difficult decisions. And remember that what might look like a fast fix for a problem might (by signing something now) might make things worse in the long run. But I'm soooooo sooooo very sorry you are going through this. A huge hug to you, ellen |
Resortgirl | Sunday, October 20, 2002 - 06:27 am     Machelle, I wanted to tell you again how sorry I am for your loss. My best friend died in a car accident on Sunday and I've been spending this past week not only making preperations but trying to find some answers as to WHY? My friend (suzy) had to have an autopsy too. It is required in cases of car accidents. They didn't give us a choice although we knew Suzy would have been against it. I, like you want to know every detail of what has happened. I guess I think it will help me figure this tragic thing out somehow. As others have said, Lean on your friends and family, take care of yourself and let others step in and take care of you when you don't have the strength to. I'm so sorry this awful thing happened. Jane |
Kaili | Sunday, October 20, 2002 - 07:59 am     {{{{Machelle }}}} and {{{{Resortgirl}}}} |
Aussiedeb | Sunday, October 20, 2002 - 08:10 am     {{{{Machelle}}}} and {{{{Resortgirl}}} Im so sorry for your loss. We have had some people I am friends with who lost friends in the past couple of months thru train wrecks. Take care and take care of your little ones. Deb |
Machellewatches | Sunday, October 20, 2002 - 10:26 am     you guys have been more support than you will ever know. today has not been so good for me and i feel so lost, alone and afraid. your prayers and thoughts are so appreciated. He had a wonderful service and he will be missed by many. Resort girl, i am so sorry for your loss, my prayers are with you. |
Suitsmefine | Sunday, October 20, 2002 - 10:27 am     Machelle, Just wanted to let you know you and your family are still in my thoughts and prayers. |
Buttercup | Sunday, October 20, 2002 - 10:55 am      |
Bookworm | Sunday, October 20, 2002 - 11:24 am     Still thinking of you and your children Machelle. Try to take care. |
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