Former FIU Professor Killed By Commuter Train In Massachusetts

MIAMI (CBSMiami) - A former Florida International University professor is dead after being struck by a commuter train in Massachusetts.

The train struck and killed 42-year-old journalism professor Moses Shumow while he was riding his bike. A witness said it was very sudden.

"It's just horrible, he turned his head towards the train and I screamed no to him. He went the wrong way, turned his head and it hit him and he went right under," he said.

Shumow, who got his Masters Degree in 2001 at Emerson, had just returned to alma mater after nearly 10 years at FIU.

"We are deeply saddened by the sudden and tragic passing of our friend and colleague Dr. Moses Shumow. Moses was loved and respected by all who knew him. He was kind and caring, and he made a tremendous difference in the lives of his students, colleagues, and community. Our deepest sympathies to his wife and family."
-Dean Brian Schriner, FIU College of Communication, Architecture, + The Arts

"Moses was very cutting edge but he was also very much a down to earth kind of person, he was very positive. One of the things about Moses was if there was a challenge he would stop and say let's figure out how we can work with it," said Emerson College Journalism Chair Janet Kolodzy.

Students at Emerson College were stunned to learn of Shumow's death, they said he was caring and down to Earth.

"I found out while I was in class. So you walk out of class. You find out that your advisor is not gonna be with you anymore, so I don't know how to deal with that," said one student.

The accident is still under investigation.

Shumow is survived by a wife and three children.

The family has set up a go fund me page. Click here if you would like to help.