Bronson teen killed by train

A Bronson High School student was killed Tuesday after the vehicle he was in was struck by a passenger train in Van Buren County.

Tyler Wirtz, 17, was the victim in the crash that occurred around 7:30 p.m. on North Nursery Street in Lawton.

Lawton Police Chief Jeffrey Mack said investigation revealed the truck was stuck on the west side of the railroad tracks as the train was approaching. Wirtz was taken to Bronson Lakeview Hospital in Paw Paw, where he died from his injuries.

Witnesses told police the vehicle was making noises that suggested Wirtz was attempting to get it off the tracks when the collision occurred, Mack said.

Wirtz was a member of the Bronson High School varsity bowling team, which was scheduled to compete Wednesday at Kalamazoo Christian. The match was canceled after news of Wirtz’s death reached the school district.

Richard Hilderly, superintendent at Bronson Community Schools, said the news is devastating to the community.