Special Agent John Ben Merz

Special Agent John Ben Merz

Illinois Central Railroad Police Department, Railroad Police

End of Watch Tuesday, October 11, 1949

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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

trespasser, foot pursuit

Most Recent Reflection

View all 4 Reflections

Agent Merz,
On today, the 75th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army as a member of the 21st Engineers in Europe during World War I. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

October 11, 2024

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