A Murray Bridge man is mourning the sudden death of his father, who was fatally struck by a freight train earlier this month. Michael Hill, 53, died on June 10 after being hit by a train near Bridge Street in Murray Bridge.

Hill’s son, Dylan Hill, spoke about the pain of losing his father, whom he had recently reconnected with after years of estrangement. Although separated since Dylan was four years old, the two had begun rebuilding their relationship over the past decade. Dylan said his father, a father of six, was “my hero” and described the shock and confusion he has experienced since the tragedy.

In the days leading up to the incident, Dylan recalled a visit from his father during which Michael expressed pride in his son and shared reflections on life and the reasons for his past absence. Dylan said he had a “worst feeling in my stomach” on the day of the crash and feared his father might have been involved.

After spending the following day searching for Michael with his family, Dylan received confirmation from authorities that his father had passed away in the train accident. The loss has left him “speechless” and deeply heartbroken, describing it as one of the hardest moments of his life.

Dylan noted that despite the prolonged separation and the fact that Michael had not been involved in his children’s lives, his father maintained contact, regularly checking in by phone. He emphasized his father’s commitment to family and described him as “one of the most perfect dads when he was there.”

The circumstances of Michael Hill’s death remain unclear, with Dylan expressing ongoing distress over whether the incident was accidental or intentional. This uncertainty has added to the emotional burden during the grieving process, but Dylan said he is determined to stay strong for his own six children, drawing strength from the example his father set.

Authorities have not released further details regarding the cause of the collision. The community continues to mourn the loss of Michael Hill, remembered by his family as a devoted father despite past challenges.