Community remembers life of Easley officer killed in line of duty on train tracks

EASLEY, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - Officials said an investigation is underway after an Easley Police Officer was killed on train tracks Wednesday morning.

The Easley Police Department said it received a call for assistance on the railroad tracks along East Main Street around 5 a.m.

While responding, police called North Norfolk Southern to stop all trains in the area.

Officials said one officer with Easley PD was killed along the tracks. The officer was later identified as 22-year-old Matthew Hare. The Pickens County Coroner’s Office said Hare was trying to get a suicidal person off the tracks when he was hit by an oncoming Amtrak passenger train. They added that he passed away at the scene.

Hare graduated from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy in March 2023 and his career in law enforcement began just a few short months before he gave his life in service to his community.

A memorial was set up for Hare outside of the Easley Police Department Wednesday night and community members gathered to leave flowers and notes. Officials also started a memorial fund to help support Hare’s family. You can find more information about the fund here.

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has been called to continue to investigate.

FOX Carolina reached out to Amtrak for a statement.

Multiple law enforcement agencies held a processional Thursday afternoon to pay their respects to the fallen officer. Watch here:

Stay tuned for more information.

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