Emergency responders surround the area of the fatality.

MENTONE — The Mentone Police Department has released the identification of the female struck by a train just before 5 p.m. tonight, April 8. 

Initial investigation shows that Patricia Appel, 39, of 301 E. Main St. Mentone, was walking westbound along the north side of Main Street and went to cross the street to the south side of Main Street at the railroad tracks. Witnesses stated that Appel appeared to be unaware the train was approaching as she walked across the street. Witnesses also stated Appel was wearing headphones at the time of the accident. 

Appel was struck by the train and suffered fatal injuries.

Mentone Police Department, Mentone Fire Department and Four-way ambulance service responded to the scene. Other agencies that assisted in the investigation were Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office, Indiana State Police and Kosciusko County Coroner’s Office.