Names released of two MP residents struck by train

The names of two Mt. Pleasant residents have been released following a train-pedestrian accident on Sunday, Aug. 30.

According to the Mt. Pleasant Police Department, Thomas Riley, 31, and Lelania Gillon, 39, both of Mt. Pleasant, were struck by a Burlington Northern Rail train at the Lincoln Street crossing at 8:37 a.m., on Sunday.

Riley was pronounced dead at the scene, while Gillon was transported to the Henry County Health Center and later transferred to the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics. She died overnight as a result of injuries sustained in the accident.

According to the police department, Riley and Gillon had waited for an eastbound Burlington Northern train to pass, however, the eastbound train shielded a westbound train that was simultaneously approaching. The westbound train struck the two.

The accident continues to remain under investigation.