An Ohio man is being celebrated as a true hero after he tragically lost his life while using his own body to shield a 12-year-old girl from a passing train, according to family statements and local reports. The devastating incident occurred on Friday night in Marion, Ohio, when Dalton McMillen, aged 33, and McKenna Whitted, aged 12, were walking near railroad tracks on their way to a nearby store to purchase candy.
A Fatal Act of Bravery
Whitted recounted to her grandmother, Angel Franklin, that McMillen—a father to a 10-year-old boy—pushed her out of harm's way after they were both pulled under the moving train. Reports indicate that the train caught McMillen's jacket, dragging him away and resulting in his immediate death. Jeremiah Haile, McMillen's roommate, emotionally stated, "She wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for him. He was just an amazing person."
Recovery and Medical Details
McKenna Whitted sustained severe injuries in the accident and is currently recovering at Nationwide Children's Hospital. She is expected to be discharged and return home within the coming days. Franklin described her granddaughter's survival as "a true miracle," noting, "It's still a little touch and go with the brain bleed and the concussion, but it looks promising."
Family Appeals for Railroad Safety
In the wake of the tragedy, both Franklin and Haile have issued urgent warnings to the public about exercising greater caution around railroad tracks, especially after crossing gates descend. Franklin emphasized, "It's not worth it, just to save some minutes to get home. It's not worth it. I'm afraid of trains now."
Community Support Through Fundraising
Separate GoFundMe campaigns have been established by friends and family to cover Whitted's mounting medical expenses and McMillen's funeral costs. Holly Wheeler-McMillen, in a heartfelt tribute, wrote, "My brother Dalton McMillen died admirably and is a true hero for laying his life down to save a child." As of Wednesday, this campaign had raised over $2,500.
Meanwhile, Jovi Whitted, McKenna's mother, described her daughter as "the most spunkiest, funniest kid you will meet, full of life." She added, "She needs a good support team and friends and family to be with her." The fundraiser for McKenna's recovery had garnered more than $600 by Wednesday.
Ongoing Investigation
The incident remains under active investigation by local authorities, who are working to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the tragic accident. The community continues to mourn the loss of Dalton McMillen while rallying around the Whitted family during this difficult period.
