WTOC, Savannah, Georgia, news, weather and sports | Loved ones speak out about Hardeeville train accident

Loved ones speak out about Hardeeville train accident

By Jaime Dailey bio | email

HARDEEVILLE, SC (WTOC) - As authorities continue to investigate the deadly train crash in Hardeeville earlier this week, family and friends are mourning the loss of their loved ones.

Flowers and a teddy bear now sit next to the train tracks, serving as a memorial to the four people who lost their lives Monday night when Hardeeville Police say an Amtrack train carrying 22 passengers hit a car at the tracks near the main intersection in town, pushing it nearly a mile down the tracks.

Officials say the driver, 27-year-old Nancy Ratliff, went around the crossing gates while the lights were flashing, killing her and three passengers in the vehicle, including 33-year-old Jason Scott, 36-year-old Melissa Thomas and 12-year-old Taylor Arnsdorff.

A tragedy, Melissa's husband, Roosevelt Thompkins still can't believe happened.

"She was the most beautiful person in the world," said Thompkins. "It has torn us apart, like someone shot me in the stomach."

Thomas says life at this house will never be the same for him and their six children, ranging in age from four to 16.

"I don't know what I'm going to do," said Thompkins. " I've got six kids. I've got to raise these kids, the problem is, I won't have her with me."

"She was a great mother, a mother and my best friend at the same time," said Tommy Grant, Melissa's son. "It's so sad to see her go. I can't believe it."

Thompkins says his wife was friends with Nancy Ratliff and the accident happened while they were on their way back from picking up some clothes for Taylor Arnsdorff who was spending the night with Nancy's children.

"My understanding is Melissa was supposed to be dropped off, not go that far," said Thompkins.

But for some reason, she wasn't.

"She was at the wrong place at the wrong time," said Grant.

"I just wish she would have been dropped off, I would have still had my baby with me," said Thompkins.

He recalls waiting hours at the scene only to find out his wife wasn't coming home.

"I'm just hurt, just so hurt," said Thompkins. "It's unbelievable. I still don't believe this. You never think it could happen to you but I'll say this, if you have aloved one at t home, love them, don't take it for granted, please don't take it for granted."

To make matters worse, Melissa did not have insurance and the family needs help paying for funeral arrangements.

The same is true for 12-year-old Taylor Arnsdoff.

A special fund has been set up in each of their names at South Carolina Bank and Trust and you can make a donation at any branch.

You can also send a donation to South Carolina Bank and Trust at P.O. Box 505 Hardeeville, SC 29927

Donation jars are also set up at businesses all over town for Taylor.

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