Mother and son struck by train in Belle Plaine identified

A mother and son who died after being struck by a train in Belle Plaine Friday have been identified as Teresa C. Gerleman, 36, and Henry Fields, 8, both of Belle Plaine.

The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, which released the names Monday morning, said autopsies of Gerleman and Fields will be done Thursday by the State Medical Examiner.

The Belle Plaine Police Department reported last week they responded at about 5 a.m. Friday to the Union Pacific Railroad's Ninth Street crossing for reports two pedestrians had been struck by a train. Gerleman and Fields were found dead at the scene.

Investigators have not said how they think the collision happened or why the mother and son were on the tracks. DCI Special Agent in Charge Rick Rahn said no further information will be provided until after the autopsies.

Kristen South, director of media relations with Union Pacific Railroad, said the railroad track reopened at about 11:30 a.m. Friday.

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