The Cabot Police Department has identified the person killed after being struck by a train on Sunday, November 8, 2026, as 19-year-old Raistlin Willbanks.
According to information released by police, Willbanks was walking along railroad tracks in Cabot when he was struck by a train and fatally injured.
The incident occurred near Cabot Freshman Academy, according to local television news reports.
Police said the location where Willbanks was struck was well outside any designated railroad crossing.
Investigators also released information about an item recovered during their investigation. Detectives reported finding an empty earbud case in Willbanks’ pocket.
However, police emphasized that they have not been able to determine whether Willbanks was wearing earbuds at the time he was struck. Authorities have not established whether headphones or earbuds played any role in the fatal incident.
The Cabot Police Department initially announced Sunday that officers were investigating a pedestrian who had been struck by a train. Railroad crossings throughout Cabot were temporarily closed as police and railroad officials responded to the incident and conducted their investigation.
The identity of the victim was not immediately released following the initial response. Police subsequently identified Willbanks and provided additional details about the circumstances surrounding his death.
The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with walking along active railroad tracks. Railroad tracks are not pedestrian pathways, and trains can approach with little warning.
The Federal Railroad Administration encourages pedestrians to remain off railroad tracks except at designated crossings and to avoid distractions near railroad property.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Willbanks’ death has not been publicly described as complete. No additional confirmed findings about whether Willbanks heard or saw the approaching train have been announced.
ArkansasRadio.com will continue following information released by the Cabot Police Department.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Raistlin Willbanks following this tragic loss.
Source: Cabot Police Department information reported by KARK 4 News and FOX16, November 9, 2026.
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