East Alton Man Is Identified As Person Who Died On Godfrey Railroad Tracks

GODFREY — A 41-year-old East Alton man was found dead early Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, after being struck by a train on railroad tracks between Tolle Lane and Pearl Street in Godfrey, according to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident occurred about 5:31 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office identified the man as Timothy W. Freytag, of East Alton.

The sheriff’s office responded to the scene with the Godfrey Fire Protection District, Alton Memorial Ambulance, and Survival Flight air ambulance.

"Unfortunately, the responding deputies located the pedestrian, later identified as Timothy W. Freytag, 41, of East Alton, deceased," Madison County Chief Deputy Sheriff Marcos Pulido said.

Pulido said the preliminary investigation found Freytag was seen on the tracks shortly after the train passed the Tolle Lane railroad crossing.

"Preliminary investigation revealed that shortly after the train passed the Tolle Lane railroad crossing, Timothy Freytag was observed on the tracks. The train attempted to stop, but Timothy Freytag did not appear to attempt to move, at which point the train then struck him," Pulido said.

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