Man Hit By Train In Wauwatosa Named; Stabbed Family In 1987: Cops

WAUWATOSA, WI — Authorities in Wauwatosa say a man died after he was struck by a train Tuesday night.

According to a JSOnline report, that man was identified as Keith Kalota, and that he at 61 years old, intentionally stepped in the path of the oncoming train. The report stated that Kalota served time in a mental institution for the stabbing deaths of his wife and two children in 1987.

According to court records, Kalota was found not guilty by reason of mental disease. An NBC 15 report from 2014 on an unrelated matter stated that Kalota had been accused of stabbing and killing his then-wife Debra, his 4-year-old daughter, Constance, and 2-year-old son, Jacob, at their Milwaukee home in 1987.

Court records showed that Kalota was confined for 16 years at the Mendota Mental Health Institute before his release. According to court records, Kalota had been released in March 2011 under a conditional release program and had been under the watch of a probation officer.

Police reported that Kalota was walking in the area of N. 72nd St. and W. State St. at just after 7:30 p.m. Tuesday when he was struck by the train, the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office reported. According to a FOX 6 report, police investigating the tragic incident said Kalota stepped onto the tracks in an apparent intentional act.

Related Reading

Survivor's Tale: Suicide Prevention Is About Courage, Opening Up Officials in Wisconsin say suicide is one of the most pressing problems facing schools and communities. Here's how we get talking.

How To Help
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, here are six guidelines to follow if a person shares that he or she is experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors:

1. Take any talk of suicide seriously. If a person approaches you and shares suicidal thoughts, let the teen know that you are glad they shared this information and reassure him or her that you can help and he or she is not alone.
2. Provide reassurance. Let them know there is help available and that you and others care and want to help.
3. Use your judgment. If the person has suicidal thoughts, a specific suicide plan and seems intent on ending his or her life, get help immediately by calling 911 or the National Suicide Lifeline at (800) 273-TALK (8255).
4. Contact a parent or other trusted adult. If a person shares suicidal thoughts with you, let him or her know you cannot keep that a secret, you need to contact a parent or trusted adult and ask who you should reach out to. Wait with them until the trusted adult arrives. Do not leave a teen who may be suicidal alone.
5. Share the resource sheet. When the trusted adult arrives, share the resource sheet and recommend that they immediately seek mental health care for them.
6. Share information about the encounter with others and document it. Let others within your organization know that you had that conversation with a member of the youth group and document how you handled it.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, here are 10 warning signs to watch for a person who may be struggling with a mental health crisis:

1. Feeling very sad, withdrawn or unmotivated for more than two weeks.
2. Making plans or trying to harm or kill oneself.
3. Out-of-control, risk-taking behaviors.
4. Sudden overwhelming fear for no reason, sometimes with a racing heart or fast breathing.
5. Not eating, throwing up or using laxatives to lose weight; significant weight loss or weight gain.
6. Severe mood swings causing problems in relationships.
7. Excess use of drugs or alcohol.
8. Drastic changes in behavior, personality or sleeping habits.
9. Extreme difficulty in concentrating or staying still.
10. Intense worries or fears getting in the way of daily activities like hanging out with friends or going to classes.