A 23-year-old man chasing his dog lost his life Monday night when he ran into the path of an oncoming Amtrak passenger train in Planada.
The victim was identified as Steven Miller by the Merced County Sheriff's Department. Miller had been staying in Planada as of recent, according to the sheriff's department. He was originally from Trinity County.
The accident happened around 6:30 p.m. Monday in the area of Sante Fe and Market Street.
The train was traveling at about 70 mph, according to the sheriff's department.
According to the witness statements, the man was chasing his dog around the tracks when he was struck and killed.
Sheriff spokesman Deputy Tom MacKenzie said deputies also found a dead animal at the scene, but were unable to determine if it was a dog.
The Amtrak train was en route to Oakland and was delayed about three hours.