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MURRAY — Donald Leroy Brown was an Army veteran and iron worker who loved his country but was struggling with an enemy he couldn't conquer — Parkinson's disease and cancer.
The medical combatants were robbing him of the use of his legs, but not his ability to go out and enjoy an evening outing with his loved ones.
Brown, 61, was struck and killed Friday night after his wheelchair went off the sidewalk at a TRAX crossing and became lodged on the rails. Although he was trying to stand up and get out of the way, he fell. A train hit him just north of the 4500 South crossing.
"All we know is that it was a freak accident," said his daughter, Dawnielle Brown. "There were witnesses there trying to help best they could."
UTA spokesman Remi Barron said Brown was attempting the cross when the TRAX arms were down and the lights were flashing, according to witnesses.
We are trying to do the best we can. It was tragic, but we are trying to get through it. … He was always happy, there for everybody and did whatever he could for anybody.
–Tammi Brown, daughter
Tammi Brown, another daughter, said the family is reeling from the sudden loss of the man she described as her best friend.
"We are trying to do the best we can. It was tragic, but we are trying to get through it. … He was always happy, there for everybody and did whatever he could for anybody."
Dawnielle Brown added that her father was a very active person who hated being in the wheelchair. He would take nightly strolls with his girlfriend, who was with Brown Friday but could not get to him in time.
Brown had 10 children and stepchildren, 17 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Barron said the Murray police department will pull video of the area as part of their investigation.
The family has set up a GoFundMe* account to help with funeral expenses.
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Man in wheelchair hit, killed by TRAX train in Murray
Friday night at the 4500 South TRAX station in Murray, a 40-year-old man in a wheelchair became stuck in the train tracks as he attempted to cross, according to Remi Barron, spokesman for UTA. A female companion the man was with attempted to help him free the wheel which was stuck in the tracks. The man attempted to stand up, but fell into the tracks where he was struck by a train and killed, Barron said.*KSL.com does not assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
