Family Seeks Help With Funeral Costs After Fatal Train Accident

SMITHFIELD, N.C. – A GoFundMe fundraiser has been established to help pay funeral expenses for a 29-year-old Smithfield woman who was struck and killed by an Amtrak train.

La’Bresha Shamia Kirtz died on Aug. 21 around 5:39 a.m. after being struck at the Brogden Road railroad crossing in Smithfield.

Smithfield Police previously said video from a camera mounted on the train showed Kirtz attempted to cross the tracks ahead of the approaching train. She was struck and died at the scene.

In the fundraiser, Kirtz’s relatives described her death as sudden and heartbreaking.

Her relatives said Kirtz experienced both good times and difficult periods during her life and asked that she be remembered for more than any struggles she faced.

“She was so much more than the struggles she faced,” the fundraiser states.

Kirtz leaves behind two sisters, her father, other relatives and numerous friends whose lives she touched.

According to the fundraiser, Kirtz did not have a life insurance policy to help cover funeral and burial costs.

Those organizing the fundraiser are asking for prayers and financial contributions from anyone able to help with burial expenses.