Norman man dies after being hit by train

NORMAN — As the northbound train approached Saturday night, University of Oklahoma fan Kurt Seifert kept walking. He didn’t make it. Police on Monday identified Seifert, 48, of Norman, as the pedestrian struck by the Amtrak train around 9:30 p.m. Saturday. He died at Norman Regional Hospital.

Seifert, a cancer survivor, was known by friends for his compassion and for being outspoken on social and political issues. He was out with a friend Saturday night on Campus Corner watching the OU football game.

“He was really a super sweet guy,” said another friend, Jana Sterling, who saw him at halftime Saturday at a restaurant bar.

“We stood there and talked for a few minutes. ... He gave me a hug bye and that was it,” she said. “Less than two hours later, he was gone. Very sad.”

The initial investigation indicates Seifert and others were walking east on the sidewalk at the Duffy Street crossing as the train approached, police reported. Witnesses said the crossing signals and warning devices were all activated but the group continued to cross, police reported.

Only Seifert was struck.

His death is renewing debate about the safety of railroad crossings in Norman. Five pedestrians were killed by trains in Norman in 2016. Three were later confirmed to be suicides, police said.

Police Monday urged motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians to always use caution when crossing railroad tracks and to stop when crossings signals are on. “The distance, speed and size of approaching trains are very difficult to accurately assess,” police said.

On Facebook, Norman City Councilman Stephen Holman wrote: “The Duffy crossing was completely redone 9 years ago and brought up to all safety standards. There are lights, bells, crossing arms, and a center median to keep cars from going around the gates.

“The trains blast the horn when they see someone near or on the tracks as well. I am at a loss for what else can be done to stop people from getting hit by trains.”