Special Agent John Ben Merz

Special Agent John Ben Merz | Illinois Central Railroad Police Department, Railroad Police
Illinois Central Railroad Police Department, Railroad Police
Special Agent John Ben Merz

Illinois Central Railroad Police Department, Railroad Police

End of Watch Tuesday, October 11, 1949

Add to My Heroes

John Ben Merz

Special Agent John Merz was struck and killed by a locomotive in the Illinois Central Railroad yards in Champaign, Illinois.

He had just been involved in a foot pursuit of a hobo and was walking through the yards when he was fatally struck.

Special Agent Merz was a U.S. Army veteran of WWI. He was survived by his wife.

Bio

  • Age 55
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Struck by train
  • Location Illinois
  • Weapon Person
  • Offender Not available

foot pursuit, trespasser

LODD Mapping FAQs

Most Recent Reflection

View all 3 Reflections

Special Agent Merz, thank you for your service in the Great War as well as for helping to protect one of America's greatest (though now under utilized) assets, it's railroads. My Dad spent several years working for the New York Central Railroad, the last 5 as a Police Officer. Though he had a wonderful and fulfilling career with my hometown PD, his heart was always with the Railroad. From his stories, I know what a tough and dangerous job it can truly be.

God Bless you and I'm so glad your story is now immortalized here on this site. May your eternal rest be ever peaceful, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Department

September 23, 2019

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.

Recent LODD Deaths