Fatal Crash Involving Pedestrian in the University City Division

Published on March 24, 2025

Charlotte, N.C. – (Monday, March 24, 2025) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Major Crash Investigation Unit are investigating a fatal incident involving an Amtrak train and a pedestrian in the University Division.

On Friday, March 21, 2025, at approximately 7:24 p.m., University Division officers responded to a call for service involving a collision between an Amtrak train and a pedestrian near the 9600 block of Old Concord Road. Upon arrival, officers located an unresponsive pedestrian, William David Biggerstaff, 62, on the east side of the westernmost track with serious injuries. The Charlotte Fire Department and MEDIC also responded to the scene. MEDIC pronounced Mr. Biggerstaff deceased.

Detectives with the Major Crash Investigation Unit, members of the DWI Task Force, and Crime Scene Search responded to the scene to conduct their investigation. Representatives from Amtrak and Norfolk Southern Railway also responded to the scene. The preliminary investigation indicates Mr. Biggerstaff was walking in the middle of the westernmost train track when he was struck by an Amtrack train traveling southbound on the westernmost track.

No impairment is suspected of the Amtrak train operator.

Mr. Biggerstaff’s next of kin have 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 or Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or Charlotte Crime Stoppers. For additional information about this case, please refer to the report: 20250118-1612-02.

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