Authorities ID 22-year-old man killed by train in Manville

Authorities don't know if the death was an accident or a suicide.

SOMERSET -- Authorities have identified the man struck and killed by a train late Wednesday night as Devin J. Burke, 22, of Manville.

An investigation has been launched to determine if Burke's death was an accident or a suicide, the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office and Manville police Chief Mark Peltack said in a joint release Friday.

At 6:15 a.m. Thursday, a train conductor operating a westbound train reported to authorities that he observed what appeared to be a deceased human body on the train tracks, authorities said.

Minutes later, responding officers located the body of a male, later identified as Burke, located on the train tracks in the vicinity of 600 Washington Avenue, authorities said. His injuries were consistent with those resulting from being struck by a train, authorities said.

Somerset County Prosecutor Prosecutor Geoffrey D. Soriano said authorities will be reviewing video footage to determine the circumstances surrounding Burke's death. The preliminary investigation has shown no foul play, authorities said.

Authorities are asking anyone with information regarding this incident to contact the  Somerset County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit at 908-231-7100, the Manville police at 908-725-1900, or the Somerset County Crime Stoppers' Tip Line at 1-888-577-8477. 

Tips can also be submitted online. All anonymous Crime Stoppers' tips will be kept confidential.

Burke is the son of Joseph and Nancy Burke, and was a life-long resident of Manville, according to his obit. He's a 2011 graduate of Manville High in 2011 and was employed by the Somerville Elks Lodge. He enjoyed soccer, fishing and "burning" on the grill.

He is survived by his parents, sister, Rebecca, brothers Brian and Michael and many relatives.

Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m., Wednesday, Sept.16 at the Bridgewater Funeral Home with services at 8:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Somerset County Animal Shelter.