Leesville, LA (3/2/2023) – Leesville Police Department (LPD) reported on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at approximately 3:54 p.m., the LPD received a call reporting that someone had been struck by a train in the area of South 3rd Street.
Officers responded to the area along with the Leesville Fire Department and EMS. After arriving on the scene, the individual was located and was found to be deceased.
LPD Officers believe Jared Lewandowski, 16 had been walking on the side of the railroad tracks. It appeared that he had been listening to music playing on the headphones that he had been wearing. It is believed that he did not hear the train approaching from behind. The train was unable to stop before making contact with the young man.
Chief Beth Westlake and all of the Officers of the LPD would like to express their deepest condolences to the family. We would also like to thank the Leesville Fire Department, the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office, Med Express, and the Vernon Parish Coroner’s Office for all of their assistance as well as the community members who were present at the time of the incident.
The family set up a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses.
