Tragedy Strikes Montana Rail: Conductor Kevin Saxton Dies in Horrific Accident

Flathead County, Montana – A pall of profound sadness has fallen over the close-knit railroad community following the tragic death of veteran BNSF Railway conductor, Kevin Scott Saxton, 57, of Whitefish. Saxton was fatally struck by a train late Friday night, August 10, 2018, near Whitefish, an incident that has sent shockwaves through the region and reignited urgent conversations about rail yard safety.

The devastating accident occurred around 11:30 p.m.

near Farm to Market Road and Montana Highway 40. According to authorities, Saxton was engaged in the demanding and precise work of moving rail cars from one track to another. It was during this critical operation that another train, operating on an adjacent track, collided with him, resulting in fatal injuries.

The circumstances surrounding how Saxton came to be in the path of the moving train on the adjacent track are now the focus of a meticulous investigation.

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office has launched a comprehensive inquiry into the incident, working in close cooperation with BNSF Railway.

The railroad company, a cornerstone of the American transportation network, released a statement expressing its deep sorrow. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of our employee who was involved in this tragic incident,” a BNSF spokesperson stated, emphasizing their full cooperation with the ongoing investigation to ascertain the exact sequence of events that led to Saxton’s untimely death.

Kevin Saxton's passing is not just a statistic; it represents a profound loss for his family, friends, and colleagues.

He was a dedicated member of the BNSF team, and his death underscores the inherent dangers faced by men and women who work tirelessly on the nation's railways, often in challenging and high-risk environments. The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET), representing rail workers, often highlights the necessity of stringent safety protocols to prevent such tragedies.

As the investigation unfolds, the rail community holds its breath, hoping that answers will emerge to prevent future fatalities.

Saxton’s death serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by those who keep our vital freight lines moving and reinforces the paramount importance of every measure taken to ensure their safety.