BRISTOL, PA — A tight-knit Bucks County community is in mourning following the heartbreaking deaths of a father and his two sons, who were fatally struck by an Amtrak train in Bristol on Thursday evening.
The Bucks County Coroner’s Office confirmed the identities of the victims as 56-year-old Christopher Cramp, 31-year-old David Cramp, and 24-year-old Thomas Cramp, all members of a well-known local family. The coroner has ruled the deaths of Christopher and David as accidental, while Thomas’ death has been ruled a suicide.
According to officials, the tragedy unfolded as Christopher and David attempted to intervene and stop Thomas from taking his own life. In a devastating turn of events, all three were struck by an Amtrak Northeast Regional Train traveling southbound toward Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station.
Emergency personnel from the Bristol Borough Police Department responded to reports of individuals on the tracks near Beaver and Prospect Streets, by the Bristol Station, around 6 p.m. on Thursday. Before authorities could reach them, the train struck the trio. They were pronounced dead at the scene.
“This is an absolute tragedy,” said Bristol Borough Police Chief Joseph Moors during a press briefing. “We have three victims involved, and our hearts go out to their family and to everyone impacted by this terrible incident.”
Officials said the Cramp family was well-known and deeply respected in the Bristol area, making the loss all the more painful for the community. In the wake of the tragedy, residents have expressed shock, grief, and support for the surviving family members.
The Amtrak train, identified as Northeast Regional Train 85, had departed from Boston and was en route to Richmond, Virginia, carrying 236 passengers and crew. Amtrak confirmed that no one on board was injured in the collision.
Train services in the area were temporarily disrupted as authorities conducted a thorough investigation and cleared the scene. The incident is under review by local law enforcement, Amtrak Police, and the Bucks County Coroner’s Office.
Mental health professionals urge anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health issues to seek help. Resources such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offer free and confidential support 24/7.
As Bristol reels from the loss of three members of a beloved family, the community is coming together in sorrow and solidarity, vowing to support one another in the days ahead. Plans for a vigil or memorial service are expected to be announced soon.