Marion Man Dies Shielding 12-Year-Old from Train

Grandmother says Dalton McMillen sacrificed himself to save her granddaughter McKenna

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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A 33-year-old Marion man named Dalton McMillen died after using his body to shield a 12-year-old girl, McKenna, from being struck by a CSX train. McKenna's grandmother, Angel Franklin, says it was a "miracle and a tragedy" as McKenna survived but McMillen lost his life in the incident on Friday evening.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the dangers of trespassing on railroad tracks and the importance of rail safety. While McKenna survived, the loss of McMillen's life underscores how individual decisions around train tracks can have devastating consequences.

The details

According to Franklin, McKenna and McMillen were crossing the railroad tracks near Kenton Avenue to get candy when the CSX train hit them. Franklin says McMillen shielded McKenna from the impact, with his body taking "everything, absolutely everything." McKenna suffered brain bleeding and neck injuries but is expected to be released from the hospital in a few days. Franklin described McMillen as being "more than a friend" and "family" who was close with her granddaughters.

  • The incident occurred on Friday evening.
  • McKenna is currently recovering at Nationwide Children's Hospital.
  • McKenna is expected to be released from the hospital in a few days.

The players

Dalton McMillen

A 33-year-old Marion man who sacrificed himself to shield a 12-year-old girl from being struck by a train.

McKenna

A 12-year-old girl who was seriously injured but survived after Dalton McMillen shielded her from the train impact.

Angel Franklin

The grandmother of McKenna who described the incident as a "miracle and a tragedy" and said McMillen became like family to her granddaughters.

Olivia

McKenna's twin sister who says their family is finding ways to be grateful through the pain.

CSX

The railroad company whose train struck McKenna and McMillen, with CSX stating that rail safety is a critical issue and that walking on or beside railroad tracks is illegal.

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What they’re saying

“It's a miracle and a tragedy at the same time. I don't know how to comprehend it.”

— Angel Franklin, Grandmother (10tv.com)

“He used himself as a human shelter. His body took everything, absolutely everything.”

— Angel Franklin, Grandmother (10tv.com)

“More than a friend. He's family. And I'll forever be grateful for his sacrifice.”

— Angel Franklin, Grandmother (10tv.com)

“He was a very lucky boy to have such an amazing dad.”

— Angel Franklin, Grandmother (10tv.com)

“She's a miracle. We're forever thankful that she did live. Grateful for her, grateful for Dalton, too, for saving her.”

— Olivia, McKenna's Twin Sister (10tv.com)

What’s next

The investigation into the incident by law enforcement and CSX is ongoing.

The takeaway

This tragic event underscores the critical importance of rail safety and the devastating consequences that can result from trespassing on railroad tracks, even in familiar areas. It also highlights the heroic actions of individuals like Dalton McMillen who are willing to sacrifice themselves to save others.