Cops: Man plays 'chicken' with train, loses

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BY KEN KOSKY
kkosky@nwitimes.com
219.548.4354 | Tuesday, June 26, 2007 | (45 comment(s))

VALPARAISO | Two men decided to play "chicken" with a train -- seeing how long they could remain on the rail the longest without getting hit -- but one of the men lost the game and his life, Valparaiso police said.

Patrick R. Stiff, 23, of Valparaiso, was struck by a train at 12:01 a.m. Saturday on the railroad tracks behind the Franklin House bar at Campbell Street and Indiana Avenue.

The coroner's office said it appears he died of blunt force trauma. The final cause of death ruling is pending a toxicology report.

Stiff was walking westbound along the tracks with two other men. One of the men, Portage resident Christopher Risner, said he and Stiff began playing chicken, and both were trying to get out the path of a moving train right before being hit.

Risner told police he jumped in front of a westbound train near Napoleon Street and was able to get out of its path in time, but Stiff didn't move in time. Risner told police the train hit Stiff, knocking him into the air.

Risner said the other man who was with them did not participate in the game. After the crash, the train continued because the conductor was unaware he hit anyone, police said.

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Ween- Lynda Stiff wrote on Jan 24, 2008 4:25 PM:

" People have stopped leaving messages for Pug. The only things I find now are horrible things about him. With people who didn't even know him as the creators. His life is apparently worth $18 a book. My brother's life. A man that for everyone that knew him knows what a beatiful soul, wonderful human being, and handsome young man he was. He could party like a rock star. But he could save your life too. That's why I loved him. "

Amy S. wrote on Jul 2, 2007 1:34 PM:

" Pug was such a wonderful guy and he had a way to brighten up anyone's day. He always found a way to get through the tough times and come out smiling. He is missed by so many and I know he is living on through each and everyone of us. We all love you, Pug! My heart goes out to his family and friends...we all lost a dear friend. "

jenny wrote on Jul 2, 2007 10:21 AM:

" To the family and friends of this young man: only you know who the true Pug was. No need to even give the people on here who wish to disrespect your loved one the time of day....they do not deserve it. It's tough to change the minds of people who have these ridiculous opinions of someone they never met. They read an article and see that they can make comments, and do so to stir up and evoke emotions from hurting friends and family. From what it sounds like Pug seemed like a pretty easy going and laid back type of guy. No matter what anyone says, it's not going to change who he was to you, so don't let em' try...they are looking to upset people....OBVIOUSLY!! Anyone in their right mind knows that a parent is not responsible for what a 23 year old MAN does in his free time....OOOOH, even at midnight. People get a grip and let this family grieve for the loss of a wonderful person!! "

sopoco rep wrote on Jul 1, 2007 10:58 PM:

" for all those writing things and leaving comments when you don't even know the person or family...i hope and pray for you. you are sick individuals with nothing to do but post comments on here when you really have no right to say anything. put yourself in the families shoes...how would you feel reading things posted online talking trash about the family...blaming it on the parents...and not even respecting the deceased. i hope one day you all have to feel the pain pugs family and friends go through by reading all of your negative comments that are of no good! i blame your parents by not bringing you up with the teaching..."if you don't have anything nice to say...don't say it all." one day you'll have to take your slimy shoe and shove it in your mouth.... "

Pug's friend wrote on Jul 1, 2007 10:02 PM:

" It's sad that people are focusing on what did, or did not cause this tragedy. Instead, we should be honoring the life that Pug lived. He touched many lives and changed the way many of us think-in a positive way. I for one am blessed that our paths crossed... RIP Pug... "

Dave hill wrote on Jul 1, 2007 8:23 PM:

" I hope one day a bad decision you guys make will leave a permanent impact on your friends and family. This isn't a "lets talk crap about Pug" forum this is for news. Have some respect for him and the many of people that loved him. Just because we have the right to say anything we want does not mean that we should say it. RIP PUG "

Sickened By Real Morons wrote on Jul 1, 2007 4:57 PM:

" This is some extremely shoddy "reporting" on behalf of the Times, but it's no surprise that a newspaper would tell the most sensationalistic tale rather than what truly happened. There are several stories about how Pug died, and no one here knows the truth. Only his friends who had to watch one of their friends die. Whether it was from a stupid action or a harmless mistake is beside the point. The point is, some of these people below are sick pieces of crap. That's okay, because I'm sick too so it doesn't hurt me to say that I hope they feel the horror and loss that comes with the death of a loved one. Let's see how smug and smartass you are when you discover someone you loved is now gone. Unless, of course, you have no loved ones, which seems more likely. They're your basic internet trolls who never leave the safety of their computer to live in the real world. Sad. It doesn't really matter how Pug died, what matters is that one of the good guys in the world is now gone. "

AC wrote on Jul 1, 2007 3:49 PM:

" How dare you BASTARDS for posting some of these things that Pug's loved ones are going to read.. Im going to stop typing and pray for all your troubled souls.. God bless! "

without words wrote on Jul 1, 2007 3:46 PM:

" I cannot believe in Pug's death that some of these comments would be posted on here. Its really sad to see these comments written by people who didnt even know him.. Well I did! He was a great guy who was full of life and spirit and regardless of how he died we need to be sensitive to his family and close friends who are reading this.. All i have to say is shame on all of you!! I cannot imagine what it would be like to lose a brother or son, and some of you people need to use the same reasoning in posting comments.. I'll say it one more time!! Pug was a great guy and I honnestly know that he was happy with his life and im so very sorry to his sister and mother.. God is love. "

Pug's Sister- WEEN wrote on Jul 1, 2007 3:31 PM:

" 1st of all to all of you on here trashing my litte brother, many of us make mistakes just you have apparently made a big one! My brother may have stood to close too a train but you are trashing a wonderful young man that has passed away. And may I add one that would never have done this to you or your family. Yes, you may think I say this because he's my brother but I know just as well as the rest the brother's can be a pain. And my on those days my love did not waiver. We stood and stand strong with our love in our family. Something most of you can only wish for. "

PUG'S SISTER wrote on Jul 1, 2007 3:30 PM:

" WEEN CON'T. And if you are posting a comment to call my brother but offer your condolences to me...well you can keep those condolences. Because I don't need anyones support that doesn't support my brother...never did and never will. These papers have slandered him and takin his last moments and made them into his life. And for the record he WASN'T EVEN ON THE TRACKS!!! Does that sound like someone that was playing chicken with the train? But you know if drunks outside a bar give an account of something than let's just take that and run with it , huh? It MUST be the truth. Well, if you reporters believe in God....You ain't dead yet. (Little saying my Grandmother had.) My brother lived through trial after trial in his life and he still believed in God and he still stood strong as a man. When the chips were down I had Pug to lean on. Too many times we had to lean on each other. Maybe that's why were so close. "

PUG'S SISTER-WEEN wrote on Jul 1, 2007 3:29 PM:

" WEEN CON'T. Your adds should read "Another tradgey for Patrick Stiff" The kid lived through it though and was better for it. And nothing to do with this tradgey was our mother's fault! She gave her all for us. And we both knew it and were terribly grateful. This was just some renegade kid that didn't listen to his mommy. He just moved out 8 months ago and it wasn't to get away from his mother. He loved his family. My brother meant so much to our family and especially me. It's unfortunate that my brother had to be my brother, best friend, AND my fatherly figure....my everything. But he stood up like a man and he did it, cause he knew that's what I needed to stay strong. Most of the articles that I have read on here are anonymous. Pug would have put...PUG---I ROCK!!!! Cause that's just how he rolled. "

PUG'S SISTER - WEEN wrote on Jul 1, 2007 3:26 PM:

" WEEN CON'T. I always wished I could be more like him. More free, more ok with myself. He loved who he was and there wasn't anyone that was gonna tell him he was a bad person. And as he told me recently there wasn't anyone that was gonna tell him it about me. I don't know many people that have a brother like Pug. But I feel blessed to have had him. My life is a little lost right now, but all the hatefulness everyone writes, puts on the news, and on the radio just enrages me. I should be allowed to WEEN CON'T Lgreive. Instead I have to run around clearing my brothers name. I never thought I'd have to do that since he was loved by so many....and because he truly did ROCK! :) But I will do it til the day I die if I have to because I can't let you all talk badly about my brother, my best friend, AND my father!!! Someday we will find out what really happened out there. And I am getting closer everyday. I will not stop. The police think they can calm me down....they can't. "

PUG'S SISTER- WEEN wrote on Jul 1, 2007 3:24 PM:

" WEEN CON'T He wasn't on those tracks he was off to the side...his phone says he had just dialed someone within 50 ft. Something's not right. None of us know the story. I'm sure it's no foul play but I am sure I'm being fed a line of bull right now. I learn something new everyday about this. And it makes it weirder and weirder. Oh and by the way it's not my mom's fault that her son was out there....she wasn't even in the state. You can blame me before her I was at his house...but don't dare blame my mother. Or maybe blame the conductor that didn't honk but saw them!!! He made a quick call that I guess he can live with... I couldn't and can't. I'll always love my brother. He called me about 5 times a day. I'll miss that most. I can't pick up my phone and just push PUG. My baby boy is gone. It's not funny, it's not your news story. Just let us greive. And quit calling him names!!!! "

Family Member wrote on Jul 1, 2007 10:05 AM:

" First, I'd like to thank all the people who sent positive posts. To all the people who think this site is used to 'vent' ... take it somewhere else. I'd be more than happy to debate this with you in person if you were man enough to give your real names, until then ... go and hurt someone else, this family is in enough pain already. We could care less of what you think and If you believe everything you read in the newspaper then I feel sorry for you. No one can pass judgement on anyone but the big guy in the sky, and I can tell you this much ... he's not happy with anyone of you right now. Please leave us alone during this devastating time ... OR, leave your real name!!!!!!!!!!! "

You're all insane. wrote on Jul 1, 2007 9:21 AM:

" You are all insane. "

To Pug's Friends and Family wrote on Jun 29, 2007 10:25 AM:

" I pray for this young man's family and friends and hope you get the support you need to eventually be able to overcome this grief. I know it feels like the pain won't go away but eventually it will. However, in the meantime do not subject yourselves to this site if you are looking for love and support. This is not the place to find it. If (God forbid) one of my loved ones meets with an untimely death and the NWI Times reports on it, then I will not subject myself to reading the posts from strangers. Simply don't read the comments if they are so upsetting to you. Getting angry and lashing out at the posters won't change their opinions and it only takes away from the process that you have to go through - which is to grieve for your loved one and try to get on with your life. God bless you all. "

Jess wrote on Jun 29, 2007 9:59 AM:

" Pug was a great guy. Although I didn't have a close relationship with him, I feel that I am truly blessed to have had him in my life at all. I wish that everyone posting negative comments shared half the happiness Pug had. If this were the case, I am sure we wouldn't be reading the unpleasant things people have posted on this site. He made a poor choice, who hasn't? Hopefully, people will learn from this loss. He will always be remembered as the guy who never stopped smiling! Thanks Pug, I appreciate every smile you put on my face! RIP "

anna wrote on Jun 29, 2007 9:17 AM:

" My sympathy to all involved. No matter how this young mans death happened it's still a very hard thing to understand. My prayer is that the Lord will give his family and friends peace about this tragic happening. I KNOW what it's like to lose a brother so young. I am just glad no one on the train was hurt. Dear family of "PUG" you are loved and we care about your grief. "

Skeptical wrote on Jun 29, 2007 9:10 AM:

" The police took statements from two "friends", without investigating this case much further...now, to make callus statements about the victim of this tragedy seems beyond stupid...maybe the persons making those callus statements are friends of the two "friends" who should be investigated further...do ya think? If they are not investigated, who do they know to avoid it? "

Wii Willy wrote on Jun 28, 2007 8:14 PM:

" I'm amazed that "Amazed" and others here think that in this family's time of loss someone is actually here monitoring the board for comments..... "

Two Pack wrote on Jun 28, 2007 7:12 PM:

" Pug we miss you! may you be at peace in the after world. With all these ill comments I feel sorry for you family dude, they are the ones getting railroaded here! Peace out and GOD bless! "

Amazed wrote on Jun 28, 2007 1:27 PM:

" I am totally amazed at the cruelty present in society today. Sympathy for victims have totally left people's psyches. If you have no sympathy for the dead, how do you feel about the living? Those who loved this young man are reading your vile comments! Even if you are concerned about hazardous waste with sudden stops or whatever your concern for society as a whole, do you see people in pain in this story? God word tells us,"Those without sin cast the first stone." Have any of you with hate, EVER made ANY mistakes. Jesus was the only perfect one who walked this Earth, so I think you must refrain from your filth or be the one judged one day! "

surprised33 wrote on Jun 28, 2007 12:22 PM:

" It is very clear to me that we are living in a world of hate and are surrounded by evil. If any of the people who wrote all of those terrible things consider themselves Christians they better reevaluate the true meaning of one. When God chooses to take someone home, it doesn't matter where you are or what you are doing. Anyone who knew Pug, knew that when his time came it was going to be something out of the ordinary. It is extremely unfortunate to have lost him at such a young age, but in his short 23yrs. he has touched the hearts of many. His manner of death should not outweigh the good he did while he was here. All of these negative comments are just unbelievable. Pug was going to heaven that night even if he was at home asleep in his bed. I get the freedom of speech and all that stuff, but read this and ask yourself if THIS is what happened. If your response is NO I feel sorry for you on judgement day. "

How sad wrote on Jun 28, 2007 12:22 PM:

" I feel for the family! I hope young people learn from this! Its not worth it! RIP! So sad! "

Greiving Citizen wrote on Jun 28, 2007 10:35 AM:

" My Greatest Sympathy goes out to the family of this young, young man..he was just beginning his life and now it is over. Everything in life happens exactly as it is intended...however, the silver lining in this incident that is really important is that this young man gave his life for all of us to realize that ALCOHOL kills, not TRAINS. I am removed to a world of sadness and pray each day we start to change all of our behavior. RIP PATRICK, You are loved by so Many!!! "

verysad wrote on Jun 28, 2007 9:57 AM:

" As I read these comments, it just becomes more apparent how judgmental and cruel most people are. This person made a mistake and paid for it. Now his family is suffering greatly. How would you feel if it was your own family member that made a fatal mistake and we all wrote in and slammed your family member? Wouldn't you want some support and kindness as you went through that difficult time, or would you turn your back on your family? Don't forget...what goes around, comes around...just hope nothing this disastrous happens to your family. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends, etc. "

older, wiser (maybe) wrote on Jun 28, 2007 9:01 AM:

" First, may God bless this young man and his family, rest in peace. Who among us didn't do "stupid" things when younger, things that could have had tragic endings? I am constantly amazed at all the perfect people who post comments, the rest of us flawed humans will try and do better. "

reader wrote on Jun 28, 2007 2:01 AM:

" besides the fact of what happened hes gone...let him rest in peace and let his family and friends mourn. people dont need to leave ignorant comments on here. you people get joy out of other peoples pain and its very disturbing. Yes some people make bad decisions but leave it at that, dont talk crap. no one knows exactly what happened unless they were there or were in his mind. ny thoughts and prayers go out to the family. "

Someone who actually knew Patrick wrote on Jun 27, 2007 9:41 PM:

" From what I've heard, the "witness" who DIDN'T see Pug get hit had told the police three different stories. The friend who DID see it happen said he was putting a quarter on the track, NOT playing chicken. I'm sure 90% of the people who posted comments here have put coins on tracks without dying. I have, and I know I am more intelligent than all of you. I know Patrick, and he would not play chicken with a train. So, to everyone stating how stupid he is, find something more productive to do with your time, than getting on your soapbox without having any effect on society. "

Brian O wrote on Jun 27, 2007 2:33 PM:

" I knew Pug from high school. We were in the same class and he was a great guy. always had a great sense of humor and was always a true friend. he will be missed. As for the rest of you saying negative comments about him ,leave it to yourself. friends and family are grieving over this and you have nothing better to do then make negative remarks towards someone you don't know. well wait till someone you care about passes away I know that I won't be doing what you are doing with all these bogus comments. Have some respect. Rest In Peace Pug "

COMPASSION wrote on Jun 27, 2007 2:04 PM:

" I did not know Pug very well, but know people that were really close to him. I always heard good things about him and his personality and wish I could have known him better. For the people that are writing inconsiderate comments not only do you need to learn the word COMPASSION but a lot of you need to learn how to spell. Also, you need to think back to a time when you were young and did things that you are not so proud of now that could have cost you your life because I know in my younger days I had more than a few!!! You also need to put yourself in the place of his family and friends and ask yourself if you would like to read some of the comments that have been posted if it was your loved one! "

re: to stupid commenters wrote on Jun 27, 2007 12:00 PM:

" So just because you're anonymous it gives to the right to disrespect the dead? Read the post by Amanda. "

"the truth" wrote on Jun 27, 2007 9:29 AM:

" Don't believe everything you read! "

next up... man vs train wrote on Jun 27, 2007 6:48 AM:

" ok seriously. you say we dont know him. ACTIONS speak louder than WORDS. i agree with the other guys....thank god he didn't take anybody down with him "

valpo resident wrote on Jun 26, 2007 11:35 PM:

" Is it possible that he could of "froze" up in front of that train? I heard of situations when people get scared, they stiffen up or freeze and can't move? Is there such a thing? Well, rip Pat. "

ethugs wrote on Jun 26, 2007 10:58 PM:

" You all need to get a job. Pug was a good guy and everyone here posting comments never knew him. He was a jokester and always had a good time. This time it cost him his life. For all of you leaving comments about how stupid he was, keep it to yourself. None of you are perfect. Messing around or not, pug was still a great guy. If you all need to poke your noses in this just to be big and bad on the internet,,, maybe you need to try standing in front of a train.. enough said "

Why so much hate? wrote on Jun 26, 2007 4:35 PM:

" You know...I always felt bad for the families that have to read heartless, insensitive comments about their loved ones from nosey people who didn't even KNOW them but now I feel even worse. Patrick was the sweetest nicest funniest guy you could ever meet. He would never have hurt anyone. I can understand making RUDE comments about murderers and rapists but Pat didn't hurt another person...he hurt himself and by doing that, hurt his family and friends. If you didn't know him and you only have negative things to say....WHAT DO YOU CARE??? Just leave the situation alone and GET A LIFE! Let Pat rest in PEACE and give his family and friends some RESPECT like you would want if it happened to you. "

JBT wrote on Jun 26, 2007 4:29 PM:

" All of you folks need to get a life & get off your butts & do something productive!!!!!!!!!!!! "

Miss you wrote on Jun 26, 2007 1:21 PM:

" Pug I miss you already and I want you to know that I love you...see you in the next life. "

Lana wrote on Jun 26, 2007 1:19 PM:

" A very sad situation indeed,my thoughts are for the family and for the crew of the train, who live with these tragedies for the rest of their lives and also feel traumatized. My husband is a locomotive engineer and these guys have seen everything from people committing suicide, to a bus load of children running the gates, they go to work, follow the rules and are helpless to avoid situations such as this...it is very sad, hopefully it will make some people think before they act or make a bad decision "

Corene wrote on Jun 26, 2007 12:16 PM:

" I can't believe the people in this world. People who have never met Patrick have no clue and NO right to judge. I have to honestly pray for the idiots in this world that make comments as are above. Apparently we do need mental health care in Indiana due to the comments above....these people need mental health care and lots of it. And you are correct in stating "stupid is as stupid does" to the cold hearted, senseless idiots of the world. Just remember we all die! Put yourself in the shoes of this family because it is inevitable we all die. What comes around goes around.....and you just never know. There is a saying that "only the good die young". "

Amanda wrote on Jun 26, 2007 11:45 AM:

" What kind of people post these kinds of comments in the midst of this tragedy!!! Where is your compassion for someone who made a mistake? Friends and Family are grieving over this tragedy and these people show their ignorance (correct spelling idiots!!!) through & through.. If you did not know Patrick you should keep your comments to yourself---re: the situation!!! HIS FAMILY DESERVES BETTER THEN THIS!!! "

stupid commenters wrote on Jun 26, 2007 11:03 AM:

" let the family grieve...adding your 2 cents to a bad situation only serves yourself. "

RIP wrote on Jun 26, 2007 1:21 AM:

" Pug was a good guy, and it's sad that he passed. Rest in piece "

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