Tragedy in Fremont, Ohio: Fort Wayne Family Identified in Fatal Train Accident
FREMONT, Ohio — A family fishing trip ended in unimaginable tragedy on Sunday when a train struck and killed three members of a Fort Wayne family in Fremont, Ohio. Officials have now identified the victims as 5-year-old Intisar Mi, 34-year-old O Ny Zar, and 50-year-old Ram Masan. A fourth family member, 1-year-old Arti Kar, survived but remains in critical condition after being airlifted to a nearby hospital.
The incident occurred near the Miles Newton Bridge, which spans the Sandusky River, in an area that draws hundreds of visitors each spring for the white bass fishing season. According to authorities, the family was walking on a bridge used exclusively for trains when they were struck.
The youngest victim, Intisar Mi, had initially been unaccounted for following the accident. Her body was tragically recovered from the Sandusky River on Monday morning, located under a bridge not far from where the collision took place. Search teams, including divers and drone units, had been scouring the area since the accident was reported.
According to Cleveland’s WJW news, the family’s relationships were confirmed through local officials: the children, Intisar Mi and Arti Kar, were sisters; O Ny Zar was their mother, and Ram Masan their grandmother. All were visiting Fremont from Fort Wayne, Indiana, reportedly for a fishing trip during the seasonal white bass run that draws anglers from across the Midwest.
Fremont Mayor Danny Sanchez expressed deep sorrow for the family and emphasized the city’s shock and grief in the wake of the tragedy. Speaking to WJW, he said, “The only thing we can do is continue to pray for these people and their families and our community. We do everything we can to welcome our anglers to the city of Fremont, and this is a very, very unfortunate tragedy that has hit our community today.”
Mayor Sanchez also confirmed that the family had been walking on a railroad bridge not intended for pedestrian use when the train approached. It’s still unclear whether the family realized the danger until it was too late. The incident is currently under investigation by the Fremont Police Department, along with support from multiple local and regional law enforcement agencies.
Officials are urging the public to stay clear of train tracks and railway bridges, which are considered active and hazardous zones, even if they appear unused or infrequently traveled. In areas like Fremont, where tourism spikes during fishing season, the city often sees an influx of visitors who may not be familiar with the local terrain or the risks posed by such structures.
The area where the accident occurred is near the southern shore of Lake Erie, positioned between Toledo and Cleveland, and features a mix of natural beauty and industrial infrastructure. While the Sandusky River is a popular spot for anglers, the presence of active railway bridges in the area adds an element of risk for the uninitiated.
Community members in Fremont and Fort Wayne are mourning the loss, with condolences pouring in for the family. Local leaders have called for both support for the surviving child and for increased awareness around railroad safety. Mental health and grief counseling resources are being offered to first responders and community members affected by the tragedy.
No additional information has been released regarding funeral arrangements or the condition of 1-year-old Arti Kar as of Monday afternoon, though officials have confirmed that she remains under intensive medical care.
As investigators continue to piece together the timeline and exact circumstances of the accident, the heartbreaking loss of three generations of a single family serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of safety near railways and the fragility of life.