UNCW student identified as person killed by train in downtown Clayton

CLAYTON, N.C. (WTVD) — Clayton Police have identified the person who was struck and killed by an Amtrak train in downtown Clayton late Tuesday afternoon

Ellaryan Marie Miller, 21, of Wendell, died at the scene. Clayton Police Chief Greg Tart said investigators determined Miller, a student at UNC-Wilmington, was leaving her summer internship job in Clayton when she crossed the railroad tracks and was hit by the train.

Miller was walking to her car, which was in a parking lot on Front Street. The incident happened just after 5 p.m. near W. First Street.

Tart said there was no indication that this was an intentional act and added that “at this point, we believe it was a very tragic accident.”

UNCW released a statement:

UNCW mourns the loss of Ellaryan Miller, a Senior who was majoring in Communication Studies.

Dr. Christine Reed Davis, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, shared that Ellaryan was a vibrant and inspiring leader on our campus, serving as President of the Service-Dog Training and Education Program (STEP) student organization and as a popular fitness instructor with Campus Recreation. “Her energy, warmth, and commitment to building community touched the Seahawk community deeply. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Ellaryan’s family, friends, and all who knew her.”

The UNCW University Counseling Center is providing grief support for students affected by this tragedy.

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