Man found dead in Middletown was hit by train accidentally, according to autopsy

The Butler County Coroner’ Office has identified a man found dead Sunday morning on Waneta Street and ruled his of manner of death as accidental.

James D. Risner, 51, died at the railroad tracks in the 2100 block of Waneta of multiple traumatic injuries, according to a preliminary report released after autopsy by the coroner’s office. He was struck by a train.

Officers were called to the area of Waneta and Mohawk streets about 9:30 a.m. Police were conducting a death investigation Monday, pending the results of the autopsy.

Middletown Sgt. Earl Nelson said detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances leading up to Risner’s death, including making contact with the railroad.

Risner was found by someone other than railroad employees hours after he was struck.

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