LOGAN — Law enforcement have identified the 40-year-old Logan man killed after driving in front of a freight train in Cornish. Jacob Pratt died after the van he was driving was struck Sept. 18 near 14300 N. State Road-23 in Cornish.
Cache County Sheriff’s Lt. Doyle Peck said Pratt was driving a white van westbound along 14300 North where the road crosses the railroad tracks.
The northbound train struck the driver side of the van, crushing the cab, and pushing it down the tracks about a quarter of a mile.
Deputies report Pratt was the only occupant in the vehicle at the time of the accident.
Paramedics and emergency crews were immediately dispatched to the scene. A medical helicopter was also paged but later canceled after paramedics determined he was already deceased.
Family members described Pratt as being loved by so many and leaving a lasting impact on everyone he met. They said, “His warmth, kindness, and generosity will never be forgotten.”
Peck said the Union Pacific conductor had reportedly sounded the train’s horn. Two vehicles had shot the gap in front of Pratt’s van but deputies don’t know at this point exactly why he tried to cross.
The intersection does not have warning lights or crossing arms.
Peck said it may be possible that Pratt didn’t hear the train’s horn. The investigation remains ongoing, and deputies are waiting for video from Union Pacific.
A verified GoFundMe account has been launched to assist Pratt’s family with funeral costs and other expenses. He leaves behind a wife and three children.
The conductor was not injured but the train did sustain some damage in the crash.