Fatal Pedestrian Crash Investigation in the Independence Division

Published on December 20, 2025

Charlotte, N.C. – (Saturday, December 20, 2025) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Major Crash Investigation Unit are investigating a fatal train crash involving a CSX train and a pedestrian in the Independence Division.

On Saturday, December 20, 2025, shortly after 9:45 a.m., Independence Division officers responded to a call for service involving a CSX train versus a pedestrian in the 9500 block of Monroe Road.

Upon their arrival, officers located an unresponsive pedestrian, Daniel Kotrman, 48, alongside the southeast bound track with serious injuries. MEDIC pronounced Mr. Kotrman deceased on scene.

Detectives with the Major Crash Investigation Unit and a member of Crime Scene Search responded to the scene to conduct their investigation. Representatives from CSX, the Charlotte Fire Department and the Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner’s Office also responded to the scene. The preliminary investigation indicates Mr. Kotrman was lying on the southeast bound track when he was struck by the southeast bound CSX train.

No impairment is suspected of the CSX train operator.

Mr. Kotrman’s next of kin has been notified of his death.

This is an ongoing, active investigation.  As further information develops it will be released by CMPD Public Affairs.  Any witnesses to the crash, or anyone with information concerning the crash, should contact Detective Pressley at (704) 432-2169 Extension 2 or Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600. The public can also visit the Crime Stoppers website at http://charlottecrimestoppers.com/. For additional information in this case, please refer to report number: 20251220-0948-00.

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