A heart-wrenching tragedy unfolded Thursday evening in Bristol Borough, Bucks County, where a father and his two sons were fatally struck by an Amtrak train. Authorities have identified the victims as 56-year-old Christopher Cramp, 31-year-old David Cramp, and 24-year-old Thomas Cramp.
According to the Bucks County coroner, Christopher and David’s deaths have been ruled accidental, while Thomas’ has been classified as a suicide. Officials report that the elder Cramp and his older son were attempting to intervene and stop Thomas from taking his own life when the tragedy occurred.
SUPPORT THE FAMILY - GOD BLESS YOU
Bristol Borough Police Chief Joseph Moors stated that officers were dispatched around 6 p.m. Thursday to the tracks near Beaver and Prospect streets, close to the Bristol Station. Reports had come in about individuals seen walking on the rails.
Before authorities could intervene, the three family members were struck by Amtrak Northeast Regional Train 85, which was en route to Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station. All three were pronounced dead at the scene.
The incident sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community. Officials described the Cramp family as “very well known and very well liked,” with many local residents mourning the loss and expressing support for the surviving family members.
In the immediate aftermath, service on both Amtrak and SEPTA’s Trenton Line was suspended for several hours, causing delays into the night. Operations resumed later that evening.
Amtrak police are currently leading the investigation into the incident, which remains ongoing as officials seek to understand the full circumstances surrounding the family’s presence on the tracks.
Grief counselors and mental health resources are being made available in the community as neighbors and friends begin to process the devastating loss.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Call or text the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for free and confidential support, 24/7.
