Belton Train Fatality: Authorities Suspect Suicide of Local Man

On Monday, April 8th, a man was killed when he was struck by a train near the intersection of 10th and Waco in Belton. The incident happened on the bridge above Waco Road. According to police it appears that the man committed suicide. The man has been identified as 37-year-old Jonathan Garcia.

National Data on Rail Suicides

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Volpe Center the number of annual rail suicides averaged about 280 between the years of 2012 - 2027. However, they do state that the number of suicides is probably higher due to the fact that many rail fatalities are recorded as trespass death and instead of a suicide if the medical examiner or coroner reports the cause of death as undetermined.

Impact of Rail Suicides Extends Beyond Victims

The reported average number of 280 suicides by train is actually less than 1 percent of the 40,000 people that die as a result of suicide every year in the United States of America. The impact of a rail suicide doesn't just stop with the victim or their families. Suicide by train can have lasting and damaging effects to the train crews and bystanders as well.

Staggering Statistics on Suicidal Ideation and Attempts

The Center for Disease Control reported that in 2023, 12.8 million people had suicidal ideations, 3.7 million people made plans to kill themselves, 1.5 million people tried to end their own lives, and over 49,000 succeeded in committing suicide.

If you are feeling suicidal or if you think that a loved one may be experiencing mental health issues, please call 988. Placing that phone call is simple, and it will put you into contact with a trained crisis counselor. You can also reach someone online at 988lifeline.org.