Memorial dinner held for woman killed by train

MONONGAHELA, Pa. — A Van Voorhis woman is dead after getting hit by a train in downtown Monongahela Saturday afternoon.

The Washington County Coroner confirmed to Channel 11, Jaimyn Rauchfuss, 23, was driving when her car was struck by a train.

According to our partners at WJPA, the accident happened on Saturday along Railroad Street near the Monongahela Aquatorium when Rauchfuss’ car collided with a Norfolk Southern train.

“She was loyal and beautiful,” said Jenna Miklos, Rauchfuss’ best friend. “She was always the prettiest girl in the room. No one will ever fill that void in my heart she left now.”

Days after the tragic incident, the family and friends of the young woman gathered at the Monongahela VFW Post 1409, to hold a memorial dinner in her honor.

“She was taken way too soon,” Said Darlene Zelinsky, Rauchfuss’ grandmother. “I believe in angels. She’s my baby girl, my angel now.”

Rauchfuss’ aunt, April Pfrogner, told Channel 11 her niece’s death could have been prevented.

“I’m mad and sad at the same time,” said Pfrogner. “It’s a problem crossing. The way she was coming, it was a hard left, she had to look all the way back and her view was obstructed by signs. Put up barriers and put up lights because that’s a very active crossing.”

Norfolk Southern sent Channel 11 the following statement:

“In any circumstance, the loss of a life is a tragedy. Our thoughts remain with this family during this difficult time.”

The Washington County coroner says the cause and manner of Rauchfuss’ death are pending an investigation and autopsy. In the meantime, Rauchfuss’ family has set up a GoFundMe page to help with burial costs.

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