WESTPORT — The man killed after being struck by a Metro-North train Wednesday morning has been identified as priest Colin McKenna.
The MTA said they’re investigating the fatal Metro North incident as a “possible suicide.” No foul play is suspected.
Officials said McKenna was struck by the train just east of the Westport station on the New Haven line around 11:20 a.m. Wednesday morning.
The Diocese of Bridgeport released a statement Thursday afternoon:
The Diocese is shocked and profoundly distressed to learn of Fr. Colin McKenna’s tragic death yesterday in Westport.
Our condolences go out to his family and friends, his brother priests, and all those who will feel his loss.
Bishop Caggiano has asked for prayers for Fr. Colin and for his family during this most difficult time.
“This is a great tragedy for our diocese, which Fr. Colin faithfully served throughout his priesthood. I would ask people to please pray for the repose of Fr. Colin’s soul and the consolation of his family.”
For much of the past two years, Fr. McKenna, 50, served as a writer and editor in the Communications Office of the Diocese of Bridgeport. He also helped out in many area parishes, celebrating Masses on weekends.
Fr. McKenna was ordained to the priesthood by the Most Rev. Edward M. Egan, third Bishop of Bridgeport, in May 1999. A native of Westport, he was a 1982 graduate of Fairfield Preparatory School and later graduated from the University of Vermont. He earned his Master of Divinity degree from Pope John XXIII Seminary in Weston, MA in 1999.
Fr. McKenna’s first assignment was as Parochial Vicar of St. Joseph Parish in Shelton. He also served as Sacred Heart Parish in Georgetown, St. Roch Parish in Greenwich, St. Mary Parish in Greenwich, and in other parishes throughout the Diocese.
The bishop will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial. Funeral arrangements will be announced later this week.
Passengers were moved to another train and there were initially delays of up to 40 minutes, but trains were running on time by the time the rush hour commute began.
