The Saline County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a pickup-train crash that was reported around 5:25pm Tuesday that occurred about two miles east of Friend. Upon arrival, the driver of the pickup was found deceased at the scene. He was identified as 38-year-old Aaron S. Rathje of rural Seward.
The investigation revealed that Rathje was traveling northbound in the pickup when it was struck by an eastbound Burlington Northern Santa Fe train. Other responders to the scene were Friend Volunteer Fire & Rescue and Friend Police.
