KEY POINTS:
Police have named the man who died after being hit by a freight train on the Kapiti Coast on Saturday.
Christophe Paul Breisinger, 23, from Switzerland, was killed as he walked along the railway line near Raumati at 1am.
Detective Sergeant James McKay said Mr Breisinger's death was a great shock and a tragedy for his family and for the freight train crew.
"Christophe's death is a sad reminder of the dangers of walking on the railway lines," Mr McKay said.
Mr McKay said it is believed Mr Breisinger had been on a train from Wellington to Paraparaumu late on Friday night and may have missed his stop at Paekakariki.
"He's then perhaps chosen to walk home along the railway lines," Mr McKay said.
NZPA reported on Sunday that the train was not able to stop in time to avoid hitting Mr Breisinger.
The news agency said once the train did stop, a member of the crew ran back and found Mr Breisinger on the side of the tracks with head injuries.
Emergency services were called but Mr Breisinger died at the scene.
Mr Breisinger arrived in New Zealand seven months ago and had been working in Wellington.
He and his girlfriend had plans to travel around New Zealand and Australia before returning to Switzerland.
- NZHERALD STAFF
