LEE COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) - A tractor driver who was killed when he was hit by a train Wednesday night (Aug. 19) has now been identified by the Department of Public Safety.

Jose Aguilar, 38, of Montezuma, Ga., was hit by a Norfolk Southern train struck at a railroad crossing in Lee County, according to the Georgia State Patrol.

Troopers were called to the crash on Goodwin Road at 7:14 p.m. on Aug. 19.

According to investigators, the farm tractor was heading west on Goodwin Road and tried to cross the railroad tracks as a Norfolk Southern train was headed north along the railroad near U.S. Highway 19.

GSP says Aguilar failed to yield the right-of-way to the train.

The train hit the driver’s-side door and left rear tire of the tractor. The impact split the tractor into two pieces and ejected Aguilar.

The Lee County Coroner pronounced Aguilar dead at the scene.

Norfolk Southern officials also responded to the crash.

GSP says the investigation remains active and ongoing, and the details released are preliminary.

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