From the April 26, 1873 issue of the Port Jervis Evening Gazette:
Death on the Rail - A Misplaced Switch - Death of Engineer Kirkwood

This morning as an extra freight train was passing along near Ramsey's, a misplaced switch caused it to leave the track, the engine and a number of cars plunging down the embankment. The switch was seen too late to stop the train, and both the engineer and fireman jumped to save their lives. It unfortunately happened that the engineer, Robert Kirkwood, fell in the way of the cars which struck and passed over him, inflicting severe and fatal injuries from the effects of which he died in a very short time. The fireman, Ed Outwin, escaped with slight scratches and bruises. Both tracks were blocked by the accident, most of the cars being a complete wreck.

Kirkwood was perhaps not more than 30 years of age and unmarried. His comrades bear testimony to his worth as a brave and deserving an engineer as ever pulled a lever on a locomotive, and expressions of sorrow and sympathy for his untimely end are universal.

Among the many flying rumors it is impossible to learn who is responsible for this sad and fatal accident. It is the old story of criminal negligence. It is generally understood, however, that one of the hands of the train which preceded Kirkwood's train is reponsible for the misplaced switch.

No. 1 bearing the body of the unfortunate engineer arrived here about 3 o'clock, 3 hours late. The remains were carefully carried on a stretcher to the undertaking ware-rooms of Weigand & Sharp, on Front Street, where they now rest, awaiting interment.