Late in the day, Buffalo Bills Receive Heartbreaking News As Renowned Legend Involved In A Fatal Railway Crash Amid Derailment

A wave of shock and sorrow swept through the Buffalo Bills community on Thursday afternoon as news broke that NFL legend and former Bills defensive powerhouse, Jeremiah “Steel” Thompson, was critically injured in a devastating train derailment outside Pittsburgh.

 

According to early reports, the FATA Express—a high-speed passenger train en route to Cleveland—derailed at approximately 1:45 p.m. due to what officials are calling a “major track fault.” The accident led to multiple injuries and at least three confirmed fatalities. Thompson, 58, was among the most critically injured passengers, sustaining severe trauma to the head and chest.

 

Thompson was airlifted to Allegheny General Hospital, where he remains in the intensive care unit under close observation. Dr. Liane Carter, the hospital’s chief trauma surgeon, provided a tense update late Thursday evening.

 

> “Mr. Thompson’s condition is currently listed as critical but stable. He has suffered multiple internal injuries and remains unconscious. We are doing everything we can, and the next 48 hours will be crucial,” said Dr. Carter.

 

 

 

Upon hearing the news, players and staff of the Buffalo Bills gathered at the team’s facility for an impromptu prayer vigil, led by Head Coach Mark Stevens. Current team captain Josh Allen shared an emotional message on social media:

 

> “We’re heartbroken. Jeremiah isn’t just a legend—he’s family. We’re praying hard for a full recovery. We love you, Steel.”

 

 

 

Thompson, known for his iron-willed defense and leadership during the Bills’ 1990s golden era, remains one of the most beloved figures in franchise history. His jersey number, #54, was retired in 2003, and he was inducted into the Bills Wall of Fame shortly thereafter.

 

Fans have already begun gathering outside Highmark Stadium, leaving flowers, jerseys, and messages of support. The team has announced a public prayer vigil to be held Friday evening.

 

While the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) continues its investigation into the derailment, the Bills community, and the football world at large, are holding their breath for a miracle.