Ellaryan Marie Miller Obituary, Death: UNCW student confirmed as victim in downtown Clayton train fatality.

Ellaryan Marie Miller Obituary, Death – Clayton Police have confirmed the identity of a woman who was struck and killed by an Amtrak train in downtown Clayton late Tuesday afternoon. The victim has been identified as 21-year-old Ellaryan Marie Miller of Wendell. According to authorities, Miller was a student at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW) and had been working a summer internship in Clayton at the time of the incident.

Police Chief Greg Tart stated that Miller had just finished her workday and was walking to her car, which was parked in a lot on Front Street. While crossing the railroad tracks near West First Street, she was hit by an oncoming Amtrak train. The collision occurred shortly after 5 p.m., and tragically, Miller died at the scene.

Investigators have reviewed the circumstances surrounding the incident and currently believe that it was an accident. Chief Tart emphasized that there is no evidence suggesting the incident was intentional or involved any foul play. “At this point, we believe it was a very tragic accident,” he said.

The community has been shaken by the sudden loss of a young student with a bright future. Friends, coworkers, and residents of both Wendell and Clayton have expressed their sadness over the heartbreaking incident.

Miller’s death has brought renewed attention to pedestrian safety near railroad crossings. While the area where the accident occurred is commonly used by both workers and pedestrians, police have not stated whether any safety mechanisms, such as warning lights or crossing gates, were present or functioning at the time of the crash.

Authorities continue to investigate the details, including the train’s speed and visibility at the moment of the collision. However, no criminal charges are expected, and the focus remains on supporting the family and preventing similar tragedies in the future.

Miller, remembered as a hardworking and promising student, was nearing the end of her summer internship and had plans to return to UNCW for the upcoming semester. Her sudden death has left a void in her family, school community, and workplace.

Clayton officials urge residents to exercise caution when near train tracks and to always remain aware of their surroundings. Train travel in the region is common, and crossings are frequent, especially in populated areas like downtown Clayton.

As the investigation continues, officials have asked any witnesses or individuals with relevant information to come forward to assist with the case. For now, the community is left mourning the loss of a young life taken far too soon in what police are calling a deeply unfortunate accident.