Authorities in Rowan County have released the identity of the man killed Tuesday night after being struck by a passing train near Landis. The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the victim as 48-year-old Luis Javier Marrero Muniz. His sudden death has left family and community members seeking answers as investigators work to understand what led to the tragic incident. The case remains active, with multiple agencies contributing to the ongoing investigation.
The collision occurred around 9 p.m. along the railroad tracks near the 1500 block of Pinnacle Way Drive. According to officials, Muniz had been walking on or near the tracks when he was hit by an Amtrak train traveling through the area. Deputies, police officers, and emergency responders quickly rushed to the scene after the call for help came in. They later found Muniz on the tracks behind Haskell’s Hardware, located in the 1400 block of the same roadway. Sadly, despite the swift response, he was already deceased when first responders arrived.
As investigators began piecing together the events leading up to the tragedy, they learned that officers from the Landis Police Department had interacted with Muniz earlier that evening. Officials said police were called to his residence regarding a domestic disturbance. According to the caller, Muniz appeared to be intoxicated and had left the home by jumping over a guard rail near the tracks. This detail has become an important part of the investigation as authorities try to determine why he was near the railway earlier that night.
The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that final conclusions cannot be reached until the medical examiner’s office completes its review. Medical examiners will examine evidence, conduct detailed evaluations, and determine both the manner and cause of death. Their findings will help investigators create an accurate timeline and identify all possible contributing factors. Until that process is complete, officials say the investigation will remain open.
Train-related fatalities often require cooperation between several agencies, including local law enforcement, sheriff’s officials, emergency personnel, and representatives from Amtrak or the railroad company. Each agency helps provide critical information that contributes to a full understanding of what occurred. In this case, authorities from both the sheriff’s office and the Landis Police Department are working closely together to ensure no detail is overlooked.
In a public statement, the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office expressed condolences to Muniz’s family, acknowledging the deep pain and shock that follow such sudden losses. As the investigation continues, officials say they will release additional updates when appropriate. For now, their focus remains on learning how Muniz ended up on the tracks and whether any contributing factors played a role in the tragic events of Tuesday night.
