Family says stroller wheel stuck in tracks led to train deaths

TRENTON, Ohio - The family of a 4-year old boy set up a make-shift memorial today at the site where he was struck and killed by an oncoming train. Robert Coy Brown and his father, Robert Stacey Brown were both struck and killed in Trenton Wednesday at a CSX crossing in town. The two had spent the day fishing.

"He loves going fishing. He loves animals. I'm just heart-broken," said his mother, Misty Brown. "I'm really heart-broken."

Misty Brown said she last saw her son on Sunday. She along with several relatives and strangers placed pictures, stuffed animals and balloons at the site of the accident. Some of the balloons had hand-written messages on them.

Trenton police chief Timothy Traud says he is working with CSX Police to conduct the investigation.

"We are coordinating with the railroad. They're running their investigation in conjunction with ours," said Traud.

CSX trains are equipped with video cameras and there is a videotape of the accident. However, Trenton investigators have not seen it yet. According to Robert Stacey Brown's family members, he was crossing the tracks with Coy's stroller when it got stuck. They say when he couldn't get it free, he huddled over it and both were killed.

Some witnesses, however, say they saw it differently. That raises questions for Coy's mom.

"But, what I don't understand is why would he take a chance on crossing the tracks as close as the train was," questioned Misty Brown. Chief Traud said while he awaits additional information from CSX, some questions may go unanswered.

"I don't know that we'll ever be able to determine exactly what happened beause the individuals that know the truth are no longer with us," said Traud.

Police say Robert Stacey Brown had a history of domestic violence. Misty Brown said she broke up with him six months ago. But, he watched their son while she worked during the week.

"He was a very smart boy," said Misty. "I just can't believe it. I can't believe it's real. I really can't."

Chief Traud said he doesn't know when he will be able to see the CSX video. Meanwhile, funeral services for the father and son are pending. Family members say they want to bury them together.

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