Woman found deceased on railroad tracks in Oneonta

ONEONTA — A 61-year-old Pennsylvania woman was found deceased on railroad tracks Sunday morning in what authorities have determined to be a suicide.

An employee of Norfolk Southern Railroad contacted Otsego County 911 at approximately 6:45 a.m. on March 30 to report finding a deceased person on the railroad tracks.

Officers from the Oneonta Police Department, New York State Police and Otsego County District Attorney’s Office responded to the scene, along with the Otsego County Coroner and a representative from Norfolk Southern Railroad.

Investigators learned the woman became stranded in the Town of Oneonta on the morning of March 29.

Her vehicle was towed to a garage, and she was given a courtesy ride by the tow company to a local convenience store shortly afterward.

Authorities later discovered the woman had been suffering from a significant history of mental distress.

Family members reported her missing to Pennsylvania State Police shortly before 6 p.m. on March 29, who then notified their crisis network.

Video surveillance obtained by investigators showed the woman walking alone eastward on the railway, a prohibited area, at approximately 3:49 a.m. on March 30.

At 4 a.m., a train can be seen traveling westbound on the rail.

Additional video depicts the woman lying on the tracks when the westbound train passes.