Farewell, Friend

Our condolences to the family and acquaintances of 60-year-old Ronald L. Langhofer of Cassoday, KS, who was killed Mar. 31 when a train struck his truck. Langhofer was the owner of Ron's Service and Towing for many years. Here's the Witchita Eagle story:

Butler County authorities have released the name of the man killed when a train struck his truck late Wednesday night near Cassoday.

Ronald L. Langhofer, 60, of Cassoday was killed when he drove in front of a BNSF freight train at the intersection of K-177 and Northeast 140th Street at about 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, Butler County Sheriff Craig Murphy said.

The train was traveling south at about 55 miles an hour as it approached the intersection, authorities have said.

Members of the train crew said they saw the pickup sitting by the side of Northeast 140th. When the lead engine was about 500 feet from the crossing, the pickup drove onto the tracks in front of the train, they told investigators.

The train was unable to stop, Murphy said, and upon impact pushed the pickup about 4,000 feet south of the crossing. The train was using its warning devices and went into braking mode when it struck the pickup.

Investigators are still reviewing information in the case, Murphy said Friday.

Langhofer owned and operated Ron's Service and Towing in Cassoday for many years. During that time, he was the towing service contacted by law enforcement officials for vehicles on the Kansas Turnpike and also in northeastern Butler County.