Alamogordo police say a 29-year-old man has died after being struck by a freight train's lead locomotive as he walked across the railroad tracks.
Detective Sgt. Roger Schoolcraft says detectives believe Xavier Regalis didn't hear the approaching train Thursday afternoon.
According to the Alamogordo Daily News, Schoolcraft says the train's engineer blew the locomotive's horn.
Union Pacific spokesman Aaron Hunt says the train crew wasn't injured but has been put in touch with counselors to work through emotions that train crews can experience in such situations.
It takes a 6,000 ton train traveling at 55 mph more than one mile to make a complete stop.
Hunt says the railroad is conducting its own investigation into the fatality.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.