Transient Found Dead Beside Train Tracks
A 43-year-old man was found dead Sunday next to railroad tracks, and authorities believe he was fatally injured while jumping off a passing train.
A man walking his dog near the tracks at Kalorama and Front streets discovered the body of Joseph Michael Strickland about 6 a.m., authorities said.
Strickland was a transient who had been living in Ventura for several months. He frequently slept underneath some bushes near where he was found.
He was a familiar face to local police officers, authorities said.
Officials at the county medical examiner’s office said Sunday that Strickland may have been hurt when he jumped from a northbound Union Pacific train that passed through Ventura about 3 a.m. Sunday.
A small suitcase was found near the body.
Strickland suffered head injuries, but an autopsy was scheduled this morning to determine the cause of death, Deputy Coroner James Baroni said.
It was unclear whether Strickland was struck by the train or killed in the fall.
More to Read
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
