Grandmother Says Marion Man Sacrificed Himself Saving Granddaughter After Fatal Train Collision
Updated (2 articles)
Friday Night Collision Near Kenton Avenue Leaves One Dead, Child Injured The CSX freight train struck two pedestrians just before 9 p.m. on Friday at the Kenton Avenue crossing in Marion, Ohio, killing 33‑year‑old Dalton McMillen on site and seriously injuring a 12‑year‑old girl who was air‑lifted to a hospital [2]. Police reported the child was trapped beneath the locomotive before responders pulled her free [2]. The incident occurred while the victims were illegally crossing the tracks, a violation CSX highlighted in its statement [1].
Grandmother Describes McMillen’s Heroic Shielding of Granddaughter Angel Franklin told 10TV that McMillen threw his body over the girl, absorbing the impact and preventing a worse outcome [1]. She said the child was crossing the tracks to buy candy, a routine they had performed many times before, when the train’s front caught McMillen’s coat and dragged him away [1]. Franklin called McMillen “more than a friend” and urged that his sacrifice be recognized as heroic [1].
Child’s Injuries Treated at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Discharge Expected Soon The 12‑year‑old suffered brain bleeding and neck injuries but remained stable after emergency care [1]. She is currently hospitalized at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, with doctors anticipating her release within a few days [1]. Franklin announced the family will no longer cross any tracks, emphasizing the danger of trespassing [1].
State Officials and Rail Companies Push for Greater Safety Awareness Ohio’s Operation Lifesaver director Alan Stouder warned that judging a train’s speed is extremely difficult and urged a minimum 10‑foot clearance from moving trains [2]. He highlighted Ohio’s ranking among the nation’s busiest rail states for pedestrian and vehicle incidents, calling for heightened public vigilance [2]. CSX pledged continued cooperation with the investigation and reiterated its message that walking on or beside tracks is illegal and hazardous [1].
Sources
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1.
WBNS (Columbus, OH): Grandmother Credits Marion Man with Saving 12‑Year‑Old in Train Collision: Grandmother recounts Dalton McMillen’s self‑sacrifice protecting her granddaughter during a freight‑train strike, details the child’s injuries and hospital stay, and calls for recognition of his heroism .
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2.
WBNS (Columbus, OH): Ohio Officials Urge Rail Safety After Fatal Marion Train Crash: Officials describe the fatal crash, note Ohio’s high rail‑incident rankings, and present safety recommendations from Operation Lifesaver director Alan Stouder .
Timeline
Feb 13, 2026 – A CSX freight train strikes two pedestrians at the Kenton Avenue crossing in Marion, Ohio, just before 9 p.m.; 33‑year‑old Dalton McMillen is killed on scene while 12‑year‑old McKenna sustains serious injuries and is later pulled from beneath the train. [2]
Feb 13, 2026 – Marion police report that rescuers extract the child from under the locomotive, underscoring the severity of the impact. [2]
Feb 13, 2026 – CSX issues a statement labeling the victims as trespassers, expresses sympathy, and warns that walking on or beside tracks is illegal and dangerous, urging use of designated crossings. [1]
Feb 13, 2026 – Alan Stouder, Ohio director of Operation Lifesaver, warns that judging an approaching train’s speed is extremely difficult, urges pedestrians to keep at least a 10‑foot cushion and obey signs, and notes Ohio consistently ranks in the nation’s top ten for vehicle‑train and pedestrian incidents. [2]
Feb 13, 2026 – Grandmother Angel Franklin tells 10TV that McMillen used his body to shield her granddaughter, describing the train grabbing his coat and pulling him away as they crossed the tracks for candy, a habit they had done many times before. [1]
Feb 13, 2026 – Franklin calls McMillen “more than a friend,” a beloved family member and hero, and urges that his sacrifice be recognized while vowing the family will never cross tracks again, advising others to wait or find alternate routes. [1]
Feb 13, 2026 – McKenna is air‑lifted to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, treated for brain bleeding and neck injuries, and doctors anticipate her discharge within a few days. [1]
Feb 13, 2026 – CSX confirms it will continue cooperating with the ongoing investigation and supporting local law‑enforcement efforts. [2]
Feb 13, 2026 – Ohio officials reiterate rail‑safety warnings, emphasizing the state’s high incident ranking and urging the public to maintain distance and obey crossing signals. [2]
Feb 13, 2026 – Expected future event: McKenna’s discharge from the hospital is projected in the coming days, marking her recovery progress. [1]