Tragic Amtrak Incident Claims Lives of Father and Sons in Bucks County

BRISTOL BOROUGH, Pa. (AP) — A tragic incident occurred Thursday evening when an Amtrak train struck and killed three family members on the tracks in Bucks County. The victims, identified as 56-year-old Christopher Cramp, 31-year-old David Cramp, and 24-year-old Thomas Cramp, were involved in a situation that authorities describe as a horrific tragedy.

The incident took place around 6:05 p.m. near the 800 block of Prospect Street, close to the Bristol Station, as the Amtrak Northeast Regional Train 85 was en route to Philadelphia from New York. According to Bristol Borough Police Chief Joe Moors, responding officers received calls about people on the tracks before quickly identifying the three individuals. Tragically, they were struck by the train shortly thereafter.

Officials report that Christopher and David Cramp attempted to intervene in an apparent suicide attempt by Thomas just moments before the fatal incident occurred. The coroner’s initial ruling classified Christopher and David’s deaths as accidental while designating Thomas’ death as a suicide.

“This is an absolute tragedy. We have three victims involved in this situation,” Chief Moors stated. The family was well-known in the community, and friends described Christopher as a dedicated advocate for the homeless and mentally ill, highlighting his significant contributions to social service organizations in the area.

Bucks County Commissioner Diane Ellis-Marseglia expressed heartfelt condolences, noting, “In this county, Chris was an adored member of our staff and, quite frankly, an irreplaceable part of our community.”

Amtrak officials confirmed that the train was carrying 236 passengers and crew members at the time of the incident, none of whom reported injuries. They extended support to the affected family, acknowledging the community’s deep pain at the loss. Shauna Hailey, a passenger on the train, recounted, “All of a sudden, the train came to a staggering stop, and you knew something was wrong.”

As a result of the incident, rail services on the Amtrak Northeast corridor and SEPTA’s Trenton Line were suspended for several hours, with alternative transportation provided to affected passengers. Service gradually resumed later that night.

In response to the tragedy, Amtrak police are leading the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the family’s presence on the tracks. Railway officials have not yet disclosed further details as the investigation is ongoing.

The Cramp family’s loss has left a significant void in their community, with friends and colleagues expressing their grief over the incident. Anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts is urged to contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for immediate support.