S.C. Police Officer Fatally Struck by Train Trying to Save Woman on Tracks

Rookie Easley Police Officer Matthew Hare was struck and killed by an Amtrak train while he and another officer tried to pull a woman experiencing a mental health crisis from the tracks.

Aug. 2, 2023

By Lyn Riddle

Source The State

COLUMBIA, S.C. — He is being hailed as a hero.

Easley Police Officer Matthew Hare died before daybreak Wednesday as he was helping get a woman experiencing a mental health crisis off the train tracks in Easley. The woman was saved.

Hare was hit by an oncoming passenger train and died at the scene. He was 22.

Lt. Ashley Anderson of the Easley Police Department struggled to hold back tears as she faced the news media Wednesday afternoon.

“It is a tragic day,” she said.

She asked that people keep the officer’s family in their prayers.

The Amtrak passenger train had just left Greenville en route to Clemson and ultimately New Orleans. It was delayed for several hours as the State Law Enforcement Division and the Pickens County Coroner’s Office investigated.

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