Skip to Main Content
Railroad News

Star High School Athlete Dies When Hit by Norfolk Southern Freight Train

By Pottroff & Karlin LLC |

(Jesup, Georgia – January 6, 2013)

An 18-year-old standout senior basketball player at Wayne County High School in Jesup, GA, who was considered a top college prospect, was killed early Saturday afternoon at about 1:10 P.M. as he crossed a Norfolk Southern Railway overpass across U.S. Highway 84 in Jesup while he was walking toward his school for a 2:00 P.M. team departure for a game at Coffee County High School in Douglas, GA.

Shaquile Eugene Morgan was walking and allegedly wearing headphones when he was overtaken by the NS train headed in the same direction. The locomotive engineer blew the locomotive’s horn and applied the emergency brakes while the train’s conductor ran out on the engine’s front deck and yelled in an attempt to warn Morgan. The victim then looked back, saw the oncoming train and tried to get off the track, but fell and was struck by the train, according to Wayne County Sheriff John Carter. Carter added that people who live in the area frequently use the railroad trestle to cross U.S. 84 rather than at a highway intersection.

“He was one of our basketball players, a rather good one at that,” lamented the sheriff.

The young man’s death hit the local law enforcement community hard, as Shaquile was the son of Jesup Police Dept. detective Lt. Perry Morgan.

“This is real devastating, I’m still in disbelief,” stammered WCHS Basketball Coach Robert Cotton. “He was the chief of the team and he’s going to be truly missed – not only as a ballplayer, but just as that person, that spirit we had on the team. He was a leader on and off the floor.”

“This is the worst feeling, I’ve never felt this pain before,” sobbed teammate Jaleel Lorquet. “I’m speechless, it’s tragic…”

In the wake of the tragedy, the Wayne County Yellowjackets postponed their scheduled Saturday night game until January 12. Still on Christmas break until Wednesday, the school planned a release of white balloons in Morgan’s memory near the site of the tragedy Monday night at 5:00 P.M., and WCHS students plan on wearing bow ties at school Wednesday in honor of their classmate and teammate’s unique style.


sb-news-bg

Railroad News



Testimonials

Train crash cases are unique and complex with many different potential pitfalls, such as federal preemption. Anytime I get hired or even get a call from a train crash victim, my very first call is to Nathan’s firm. Nathan’s knowledge and experience in handling and trying cases against these litigation savvy railroad companies gives me the confidence to know that the clients and cases I refer to him are getting the best of the best.

James Perrin Lubbock, Texas

I have had the opportunity to work as co-counsel with Nathan on several railroad crossing accidents cases. In each case, Nathan always possessed an incredible knowledge of the law and the facts, possessed a great talent for aggressive - strategic legal planning and trial tactics while, at the same time, displaying great skill as an effective negotiator. I would recommend him to anyone without hesitation.

Scott McCluen Harriman, Tennessee

Nathan Karlin has my strongest endorsement in the field of railroad crossing cases and personal injury law. I had the pleasure of working with Nathan in a complex railroad personal injury case. I was impressed by Nathan’s knowledge, his work ethic, and his dedication to the client. I look forward to working with Nathan on future injury matters. I am also aware firsthand that he has obtained excellent trial and settlement results in numerous cases involving members of the public harmed by railroad companies.

Joseph M. Miller Mandeville, Louisiana

Nathan is a warrior fighting the railroads. As a fellow personal injury lawyer, I have constantly been impressed with his depth of knowledge and his capabilities from case to case. I’d take him into battle with me any day against the biggest railroads and insurance companies on the planet.

Jon C. Clark Austin, Texas

Bob Pottroff has fought for the victims of the railroads’ callous disregard for safety more than any other attorney that I know. I should know because I am currently Chair-elect of the Railroad Section of ATLA.

Robert Schuetze Boulder, Colorado

Mr. Pottroff has shaken the rail industry to its very roots. Settlements are now more common as a result of the way he has exposed the industry’s wrongdoing.

Mike Easley Arkansas

Bob Pottroff’s work in railroad safety law is unmatched and he has been the source of great advice and phenomenal creativity.

Roger Brown Jefferson City, Missouri

In addition to his substantive contributions to railroad grade crossing safety, I have personally observed his untiring efforts and contributions to improving the integrity of the legal system.

Elizabeth Hardy Lake Charles, Louisiana

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
Testimonials