NJ Transit: Train Death Being Investigated as 'Possible Suicide'

By Christopher Sheldon

NJ Transit officials are investigating the death that occurred along the North Jersey Coast line on Monday afternoon as a possible suicide.

NJ Transit Spokesman William Smith said man hit by a train in the area of the Parker's Creek Bridge in Oceanport has been identified as Thomas J. Schenk, 33, of Eatontown. 

Smith said Schenk was hit by an eastbound-traveling train after he walked onto the tracks and laid down around 4:54 p.m. on Oct. 14. Smith said Schenk made no attempt to move once the conductor sounded the train whistle and that the train was unable to brake in time.

Smith said a possible suicide note was recovered from Schenk's body.

There were 150 passengers on the train at the time of the incident and service was disrupted until about 8 p.m., Smith said.