UPDATE: 12:45 p.m. — The Diocese of Bridgeport has confirmed the man struck and killed by a train Wednesday in Westport was Fr. Colin McKenna, who often said Mass at Sacred Heart in Georgetown.
A statement released this afternoon said, “The Diocese is shocked and profoundly distressed to learn of Fr. Colin McKenna’s tragic death yesterday in Westport.
“Our condolences go out to his family and friends, his brother priests, and all those who will feel his loss.
“Bishop Caggiano has asked for prayers for Fr. Colin and for his family during this most difficult time. ‘This is a great tragedy for our diocese, which Fr. Colin faithfully served throughout his priesthood. I would ask people to please pray for the repose of Fr. Colin’s soul and the consolation of his family.’
McKenna was a writer and editor with the diocese communications office. He wrote a blog on the Fairfield County Catholic website called Currabawn: Sound Thinking and Spirituality (http://bridgeportdiocese.com/fcc/archive-Currabawn).
A native of Westport, he lived in Wilton for a number of years. In addition to serving at Sacred Heart, he often helped out in many area parishes, celebrating Masses on weekends.
He was ordained by the Most Rev. Edward M. Egan, third Bishop of Bridgeport, in May 1999. He graduated from Fairfield Preparatory School in 1982 and later graduated from the University of Vermont. He earned his master of divinity degree from Pope John XXIII Seminary in Weston, Mass. in 1999.
McKenna’s first assignment was as Parochial Vicar of St. Joseph Parish in Shelton. He also served at St. Roch Parish in Greenwich, St. Mary Parish in Greenwich, and in other parishes throughout the diocese.
The bishop will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial. Funeral arrangements will be announced later this week.
Thursday, 11:45 — A Wilton man was killed Wednesday morning, Sept. 9, after being struck by a Metro-North train in Westport.
He has been identified as Colin McKenna, 51.
He was hit at 11:20 a.m. by the 10:04 train en route from Grand Central Terminal to New Haven.
The incident took place east of the Westport station and is under investigation, according to Aaron Donovan of the MTA.
“We are not sure why this person was walking on the tracks,” he said. The MTA police are investigating the incident as a suicide. No criminal actions are suspected.
Trains were delayed for 20 to 40 minutes through Westport between South Norwalk and Southport.