26-year-old man dies in train incident in Russell County
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- A fundraiser launched for John Newman's family has raised $2,315 of its $3,000 goal as of October 13.
- 26-year-old John Newman died from blunt force injuries in a train incident near Owens Road in Russell County.
A fundraiser has been launched to help the family of a 26-year-old Fort Mitchell man who died following a train incident in Russell County. John Newman died late Thursday night, October 8, according to Russell County Coroner Arthur Sumbry Jr. Newman was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:39 a.m. on October 9, 2026, from blunt force injuries sustained in the incident near Owens Road. Newman’s body was transported to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for an autopsy. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation, and no additional details have been released. Following his death, Newman’s family is seeking financial assistance to help cover funeral arrangements and a celebration of life in his honor. His brother, Elijah Newman, organized a GoFundMe fundraiser, describing John as someone who had the biggest heart and consistently put others before himself. “Everybody who knew and loved John is devastated by this loss,” Elijah wrote in the fundraiser. He said the family is struggling to begin making arrangements because of financial difficulties and needs assistance as soon as possible to give John the farewell he deserves. The fundraiser has a goal of $3,000. As of Tuesday, October 13, $2,315 had been raised. The family is asking for donations of any amount. Those who are unable to contribute financially are also encouraged to share the fundraiser to help spread the word. To donate or learn more, click here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/john-newmans-funeral-and-celebration-of-life
A 26-year-old man from Fort Mitchell, Alabama, died late Thursday night following a train incident in Russell County, according to Russell County Coroner Arthur Sumbry Jr.
Sumbry identified the deceased as John Newman of Fort Mitchell. Newman was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:39 a.m. on October 9, 2026, from blunt force injuries sustained in the incident that occurred near Owens Road.
Newman’s body has been transported to Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for an autopsy.
The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation. No additional details have been released at this time.
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