Update: 12:59 p.m., Friday:
The Bucks County Coroner Patti Campi confirmed the victims as Christopher Cramp, 56; David Cramp, 31; and Thomas Cramp, 24.
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Thomas Cramp’s death was ruled a suicide, and Christopher Cramp and David Cramp death’s have been ruled accidental.
“The Bucks County Coroner’s Office has notified the next of kin and offers their family and friends sincerest condolences,” a statement said.
A man and his two adult children were killed Thursday evening when they were struck by an Amtrak high-speed train.
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Original Story:
Bucks County Commissioner Diane Ellis-Marseglia identified one of the victims as Christopher Cramp, who was in his mid-50s. Family friends also confirmed his identity.
Initial reports indicated the other two victims were minors, but a law enforcement source clarified this morning they were Cramp’s adult children.
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Borough police, Amtrak police, and the Bucks County Coroner’s Office are investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
A police official said Cramps was attempting to help one of his sons, who was on the tracks when the fast-moving Amtrak train came through.
Bristol Borough Police Chief Joe Moors said officers were dispatched to the area of Beaver and Prospect streets near the train station at 5:58 p.m. following reports of people on the tracks. An officer arrived as the train struck the three people in the area of the train station.
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Kimberly Woods, a senior Amtrak spokesperson, said the train was traveling from Boston to Richmond, Virginia, when the incident occurred.
There were 236 passengers and crew members aboard and none were injured, Woods said.
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Ellis-Marseglia said Cramp worked for the Bucks County Housing and Community Development Department and was known for his work helping the unhoused.
A family friend said he had also been a volunteer firefighter and previously worked for Penndel Mental Health for many years.
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“A lot of people’s hearts are broken. This is devastating,” Ellis-Marseglia said. “He was friends with so many people.
Some who knew those who knew the Cramps family gathered as the scene Thursday night. They were shocked by the deaths.
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Amtrak passengers were transported from the scene by bus.
The train was halted on the tracks near Bath Street as police continued their investigation into late Thursday night.
The incident caused delays on SEPTA and Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor, which drew national attention.
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“There are so many people who are impacted and I’m worried about everybody because it is that big of a loss,” said Ellis-Marseglia, who was friends with Cramp for years. “He was friends with so many people.”
If you or someone you know is in crisis or in need of help, call 9-8-8, 1-800-499-7455, or 215-785-9765.
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