Christmas Eve Train Tragedy in Atlantic County Linked to Missing Person Report
A tragic incident on Christmas Eve has left the Pleasantville community in mourning after an elderly woman was struck and killed by a NJ Transit train in Atlantic County. Authorities later confirmed that the woman had been reported missing earlier the same day, adding a painful layer to an already heartbreaking event.
The victim was identified as 76-year-old Loretta White, a resident of Pleasantville. According to official information released by law enforcement, White was reported missing on Wednesday evening, just hours before the fatal train collision occurred near Absecon along the Atlantic City Rail Line.
Pleasantville police issued a missing person alert at approximately 6:31 p.m. on Wednesday. In that public notice, officers stated that White had last been seen around 4:30 p.m. in the area of 6th Avenue in Pleasantville. She was described as wearing dark-colored clothing at the time she disappeared.
Less than an hour after the missing person report was made public, NJ Transit officials received a report of a deadly incident involving Train 4634. The collision was reported at approximately 7:03 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but the woman was pronounced dead as a result of her injuries.
On Friday, authorities formally identified White as the victim of the crash, confirming that the missing person report and the fatal train incident were connected. Officials have not released further details about the circumstances leading up to the collision, and no additional information has been provided regarding whether foul play or other contributing factors were involved.
The incident highlights the emotional toll such tragedies take on families and communities, particularly during the holiday season. It also underscores the importance of timely reporting and public awareness in missing person cases, especially when vulnerable individuals are involved.
NJ Transit and local authorities continue to handle the matter according to standard procedures. As of now, the case remains a solemn reminder of the dangers associated with rail corridors and the devastating impact of sudden loss.
Sources
Pleasantville Police Department
NJ Transit
