Cedric Lamar Dean Obituary, Death: Birmingham man, 49, killed in freight train collision.

Cedric Lamar Dean Obituary, Death – A man who died after being struck by a freight train in west Jefferson County, Alabama, has been formally identified by authorities. The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office confirmed on Tuesday that the victim was Cedric Lamar Dean, a 49-year-old resident of Birmingham.

The fatal incident took place late Sunday night in the Bessemer area, specifically in the 5500 block of Avenue A. According to officials, the collision occurred around 10:45 p.m. Emergency responders were quickly dispatched to the scene, but despite their efforts, Dean was pronounced dead just seven minutes later, at 10:52 p.m.

Little information has been released about the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash. Authorities have not yet provided details about how Dean came to be on or near the tracks or whether the train’s operators saw him before the collision occurred. It remains unclear if the area where the accident happened is a common crossing spot or if Dean may have been attempting to cross the tracks at the time.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has taken charge of the investigation and is working to determine what led up to the tragic event. At this time, no foul play is suspected, but officials are still gathering information, reviewing the scene, and possibly speaking with witnesses or train personnel.

Dean’s death adds to the concerning number of fatalities involving pedestrians and trains each year. Train collisions, though less frequent than other types of accidents, often result in severe injuries or death due to the size and speed of freight trains. Because trains take a long time to come to a stop and cannot swerve, anyone on the tracks is at extreme risk.

As the investigation continues, local officials are reminding the public of the dangers of train tracks and the importance of remaining alert around them. While it is unknown why Dean was on or near the tracks at that hour, the incident serves as a somber reminder of how dangerous railroad areas can be, especially at night when visibility is low.

Community members in Birmingham and the Bessemer area are mourning the sudden loss. While Dean’s family has not yet made a public statement, it is clear that his death has impacted those who knew him and the community as a whole.

More information may become available as the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office completes its investigation. In the meantime, officials are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has knowledge of what happened to come forward to assist with the case.

This tragedy underscores the need for continued awareness about railroad safety and for caution when near active tracks. The death of Cedric Lamar Dean marks another painful reminder of the unforgiving nature of train accidents and the lasting impact they can have on families and communities.