Family of Beaver Falls girl killed by train 'devastated beyond words'

The family of a Beaver Falls girl who killed herself on Friday said they are shattered by grief but overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the teenager's many friends and the community.

"We are devastated beyond words by the loss of our precious Taylor," Ben Krugh of Beaver Falls, Taylor Donnadio's brother-in-law, said on Saturday.

Donnadio, 16, died of multiple blunt-force trauma from standing in front of a moving train, said Teri Tatalovich-Rossi, Beaver County coroner. Her death was ruled a suicide because a Norfolk Southern Railway conductor saw Donnadio walk onto the track and stand in front of the train, Tatalovich-Rossi said.

"This is just so very sad," she said.

On Friday night, a well-attended candlelight vigil was held in Donnadio's honor. Her father, Joe Donnadio, was overcome by emotion while speaking of his daughter.

"For those who reached out with prayers and sympathy, we are so grateful. The community has been overwhelming. The outpouring has been incredible," Krugh said.

Donnadio was captain of the varsity cheerleading squad at Beaver Falls High School and a gifted softball player, her brother-in-law said. She belonged to her school's Future Business Leaders of America club and was a high honors student, he said.

She was the daughter of Joe and Doris Donnadio. She is survived by a sister, Nicole Krugh, 32, and a twin sister, Logan Donnadio.

The train that struck Taylor Donnadio was headed west on tracks that run behind the high school near the 15th Street railroad crossing about 1 p.m., said Norfolk Southern Railway spokesman Dave Pidgeon. A thicket of woods separates the school from the tracks.

Beaver Falls High will conduct a memorial service for Donnadio on Monday.

Friends and family will be received from noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday in Lutton Funeral Home in Beaver Falls. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday in St. Mary Catholic Church, Beaver Falls.