UNCW student, Wendell woman identified as person killed by train in downtown Clayton

CLAYTON, N.C. (WTVD) -- Clayton Police have identified the person who was struck and killed by an Amtrak train in downtown Clayton late Tuesday afternoon

Ellaryan Marie Miller, 21, of Wendell, died at the scene. Clayton Police Chief Greg Tart said investigators determined Miller, a student at UNC-Wilmington, was leaving her summer internship job in Clayton when she crossed the railroad tracks and was hit by the train.

Miller was walking to her car, which was in a parking lot on Front Street. The incident happened just after 5 p.m. near W. First Street.

Tart said there was no indication that this was an intentional act and added that "at this point, we believe it was a very tragic accident."

In a statement, UNCW mourned the loss of Miller, who was a senior majoring in Communication Studies.

Dr. Christine Reed Davis, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, said that Miller was a vibrant and inspiring leader on campus, serving as president of the Service-Dog Training and Education Program (STEP) student organization and as a popular fitness instructor with Campus Recreation.

"Her energy, warmth, and commitment to building community touched the Seahawk community deeply," Reed Davis said. "Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Ellaryan's family, friends, and all who knew her."

The UNCW University Counseling Center is providing grief support for students affected by this tragedy.

An Amtrak spokesperson said train 79 was traveling from New York to Charlotte when the crash happened.

The 200 passengers or crew onboard were not injured.

"Preventing incidents and fatalities on the railroad is a priority for Amtrak. According to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), trespassing along railroad rights-of-way is the leading cause of rail-related deaths in America, and railroad-highway grade crossing incidents are the second leading cause of rail-related deaths in America," the spokesperson said. "These incidents can affect everyone involved-those who are injured or die and their families, our train crews, and our passengers. They also serve as critical reminders about the importance of obeying the law and of exercising extreme caution around railroad tracks and grade crossings."

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