Mondovi student identified as teen killed on train tracks in Alma

by Beth Kraft

An 18-year-old woman from rural Mondovi was killed after being hit by a train in the City of Alma late Tuesday evening, July 7.

Authorities later identified the teen as Ashley Symington, who would have been a senior at Mondovi High School this fall.

According to reports, Symington was with a group of teenagers fishing near the train tracks in Alma around 9 p.m. A few of the teens walked across the tracks toward their car. Another then crossed the tracks and yelled to Symington to hurry.

Police say Symington never heard the friend or the train.

Symington was struck by a westbound train near downtown Alma at about 9:10 p.m. Foul play is not suspected.

The Alma Ambulance transported Symington to Alma High School to be airlifted via Mayo One, but the teen passed away before the helicopter arrived.

The Buffalo County Sheriff’s Department, Alma Police and Fire departments, and BNSF Railroad personnel also assisted with the incident.

The Mondovi School District is offering counseling services, according to a message on its Facebook page.