Man dies after he steps in front of train north of Salida, officials say

A man stepped onto railroad tracks along Highway 99 north of Salida and gave a salute seconds before he was struck by a train, witnesses said Tuesday night.

The apparent suicide on the Union Pacific Railroad tracks at 6 p.m. occurred at the end of Hammett Court next to Modesto Sand and Gravel, Inc.

Officials were called to the scene and found the body about 350 feet north of the point of impact with the northbound train, which was estimated to be traveling about 50 mph.

The train stopped shortly after. Officials on scene did not identify the man, but a bicycle that was believed to be his was discovered along the tracks.

We’ll have more information as information becomes available.

This story was originally published February 2, 2016 at 7:11 PM with the headline "Man dies after he steps in front of train north of Salida, officials say."