CALGARY – RCMP are continuing to investigate after a teen was hit and killed by a train in Cochrane on July 16.
It happened behind the local RCMP detachment around 5:50 p.m.
Officers rushed outside to see what was wrong after hearing the Canadian Pacific train sound its horn for a long period of time.
Once outside, they discovered someone had been hit by an eastbound train while walking along the tracks. EMS said the victim was a woman in her mid-20s. Family and friends have since identified the victim as Jesse Dostaler, a transgender male.
“Jesse enjoyed the outdoors, campfires and spending time with friends who were like family,” said a July 23 obituary in the Cochrane Eagle. “A fierce defender of personal freedom and passionate supporter of the LBGTQ community, Jesse inspired many to stand up for their rights. He loved music and Japan, movies and art, textiles and philosophy and sleeping – perhaps most of all. Jesse was a strong-willed soul with a beautiful edge.”
RCMP said Tuesday they’re still investigating whether or not Dostaler was wearing headphones when he was struck. A pair was found nearby.
Mayor Ivan Brooker tweeted about the incident just after 7 p.m.
Editor’s note: This story was first published on July 17, when Global News identified Dostaler as a woman based on information from RCMP and EMS. We have since updated the story with news that he identified as male.
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