Authorities say a 48-year-old Dalton woman died early Thursday after a train struck her near Willowdale Road and Chattanooga Road. Deputies responded at about 4 a.m., and officials later identified the victim as Edna Michelle McClintock.
The Whitfield County Sheriff's Office first alerted the public to the crash on its Facebook page, and local station WTVC reports that deputies were called to the crossing at about 4 a.m. Emergency crews confirmed the pedestrian had died at the scene. The CSX train involved stayed in place for several hours while investigators worked, and crews cleared the area just before 7 a.m., according to WTVC.
Investigation underway
FOX 5 Atlanta notes that the sheriff's office shared its initial notice on Facebook and reports that investigators have not released details about what led to the strike or whether foul play is suspected. The agency is treating the incident as an active investigation and has not released additional information, according to FOX 5 Atlanta.
Crossing repairs and local context
Willowdale Road is one of several at‑grade crossings along CSX's W&A line through Dalton. The City of Dalton had previously warned residents about CSX maintenance and planned crossing repairs this month, including work at Willowdale Road, according to the City of Dalton.
Federal Railroad Administration crossing data list Willowdale Road as a public at‑grade CSX crossing in Whitfield County, according to the Federal Railroad Administration.
The Whitfield County Sheriff's Office says the investigation is ongoing, and the agency's Facebook post remains the primary official notice so far. This report will be updated if the sheriff's office or other agencies release additional details.
