A train that travels along one of the nation’s most scenic routes is suspending service while investigators look into the death of a conductor.
Authorities said it is unclear how Leslie Cacy, 28, may have fallen from a moving train car of the Royal Gorge train Saturday night near Canon City.
The Royal Gorge is about 10 miles long, with the Arkansas River running through it and the railroad running along its banks. Its granite walls soar over 1,000 feet. The gorge has one of the nation’s highest suspension bridges connecting both sides of the gorge, where thousands of tourists a year walk across and look over the edge, trying to spot rafters who take on some of the toughest whitewater routes in the country.
The train is being transported from the bottom of Royal Gorge canyon for examination. Another train was sent to pick up passengers who were on the train when the woman fell.
An autopsy is planned and Fremont County authorities are investigating.
The railroad issued a statement on its Facebook page on Sunday saying the company will not be running the train for the next few days, and anyone with reservations will get refunds or they can reschedule.
“We are a family run business, and our team members are like family to us. Our hearts are broken,” railroad officials said in the statement.
There were about 100 passengers on board the train at the time of the death. The National Transportation Safety Board has been notified.
Investigator Randy Keller said the husband is very upset and asked that people “keep him in their thoughts and prayers.”
The Royal Gorge bridge and park remain open, officials said.
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