The town of Central is in mourning following the tragic death of James O’Neill, a 57-year-old resident who was killed in a train-related incident on the morning of February 7, 2026. The sudden loss has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving family, friends, and neighbors struggling to come to terms with an unexpected and heartbreaking tragedy.
According to Pickens County Coroner Andrew Wilson, emergency responders were dispatched around 9:47 a.m. to the railroad crossing near Watkins Street and West Main Street after reports that a pedestrian had been struck by a train. Coroner Wilson and Deputy Coroner Marsha Alexander arrived at the scene, where O’Neill was pronounced dead despite response efforts.
The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation. The Pickens County Coroner’s Office is working in coordination with the Central Police Department and Norfolk Southern officials to determine what led up to the collision. Authorities have not released further details while the investigation continues.
Beyond the official inquiry, the loss of James O’Neill is being felt deeply on a personal level throughout Central. Residents describe him as a familiar and valued presence—someone woven into the everyday fabric of the town. His passing leaves a noticeable absence in the routines, places, and connections that defined daily life for those who knew him.
At 57, O’Neill leaves behind decades of memories, relationships, and shared moments that now live on through the people who loved him. As word of the incident spread, community members expressed an outpouring of sympathy and support for his family, reflecting the close-knit nature of the town.
The tragedy has also prompted reflection among residents about the fragility of life and the importance of looking out for one another. While investigators work to piece together the facts, those closest to O’Neill are left to face a loss that cannot be measured by reports or timelines.
James O’Neill is remembered not solely for the circumstances of his death, but for the life he lived and the connections he made within the Central community. His memory endures in the lives he touched and the relationships he built over the years.
The Central community extends its heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of James O’Neill, standing with them in grief and remembrance during this difficult time.