63-year-old Lynn man killed by commuter rail train

MBTA police are investigating the death of a Lynn man who, apparently unknown to the crew, was struck by a commuter rail train as it left Lynn Station just before noon yesterday.

Russell Smith, 63, was hit by the 1157 train as it was heading outbound to Rockport, MBTA spokesman Joe Pesaturo said. Smith's body was discovered on the tracks at the north end of the platform.

Pesaturo said that neither the train's operator nor anyone else was aware of the impact. The train continued on, making other stops before finishing its route in Rockport. The train was making its return trip when MBTA police stopped it at the Salem station.

According to the MBTA, the crew on the 1109 train, which followed the 1157 through Lynn, saw the body and reported it.

Christopher Stetson, a longtime friend of Smith, was stunned by the news of Smith's death. He said Smith was an intelligent, kind man who loved to read.

Standing about 6 feet tall, and always well dressed, Smith "studied a great deal," said Stetson, who lived with Smith at a facility run by the former Greater Lynn Mental Health and Retardation Association. The facility was recently renamed Bridgewell.

According to Stetson, Smith left the home about three months ago. Stetson said he didn't know where Smith had been living.