We received this request through our support email this evening. I want to pass it along in case anyone has any information. Sue’s email address is skampe1021@aol.com
. Although this is near Atlanta I want to pass this along to everyone.
My uncle, Barry Helling, is an avid railroad fan and a member of your site. Last Saturday, 12/9/06 he went out railroading and we have not seen him since.
He railroads in the Lawrenceville area, around the CSX tracks and the Norcross area. His appearance is being considered a possible homicide. We need help
trying to find either him or his car. He drove a 2001 Gold Jeep Cherokee, license plate WD700D, wildlife plate. He is 61 years old, white hair and close
beard. WE NEED HELP. Possible dark color Silverado truck seen with his possessions in the Birmingham area also. Police has not searched areas specifically.
Please have anyone finding anything contact me or the Gwynette County Homicide Department ASAP.
Thank you,
Sue Kampe
I also received this from Gwinnett County Police Department:
One of your fellow train enthusiasts has gone missing under suspicious circumstances. Barry Helling, age 61, has not been seen since 12/09/06. He lives
in the Atlanta area and drives a gold Jeep Cherokee with tag # WD700D. If anyone has seen Mr. Helling or heard from him please call 770-513-5100 (Gwinnett
County Police Dept) Mr. Helling is known for his white beard and Santa like appearence. He is also known as the “Silver fox” to some conductors on the
CSX Line that runs through northeast Atlanta.
We received this request through our support email this evening. I want to pass it along in case anyone has any information. Sue’s email address is skampe1021@aol.com
. Although this is near Atlanta I want to pass this along to everyone.
My uncle, Barry Helling, is an avid railroad fan and a member of your site. Last Saturday, 12/9/06 he went out railroading and we have not seen him since.
He railroads in the Lawrenceville area, around the CSX tracks and the Norcross area. His appearance is being considered a possible homicide. We need help
trying to find either him or his car. He drove a 2001 Gold Jeep Cherokee, license plate WD700D, wildlife plate. He is 61 years old, white hair and close
beard. WE NEED HELP. Possible dark color Silverado truck seen with his possessions in the Birmingham area also. Police has not searched areas specifically.
Please have anyone finding anything contact me or the Gwynette County Homicide Department ASAP.
Thank you,
Sue Kampe
I also received this from Gwinnett County Police Department:
One of your fellow train enthusiasts has gone missing under suspicious circumstances. Barry Helling, age 61, has not been seen since 12/09/06. He lives
in the Atlanta area and drives a gold Jeep Cherokee with tag # WD700D. If anyone has seen Mr. Helling or heard from him please call 770-513-5100 (Gwinnett
County Police Dept) Mr. Helling is known for his white beard and Santa like appearence. He is also known as the “Silver fox” to some conductors on the
CSX Line that runs through northeast Atlanta.
In these times of crisis, we have to think positive thoughts-
Maybe a CSX crew picked him up and gave him a 6 day cab ride?
I hope he is found. It sickens me to think that idiots on the street take people hostage, and harm them (If that is the case).
It sort if reminds me of a MRR article I saw a while back about a man who won a NMRA model contest with a pair of custom built brass CRANDIC electric locos in HO. He had them stored in a modified gun case, in his car. After the convention, his car was broken into, and the gun case with the electric locos were stolen. I don’t think anybody ever saw them again.[:(][sigh]
Clarification: it’s not Michael (Amtk161)'s uncle. It’s a fairly well-known railfan around Atlanta. They’re afraid some sort of foul play is involved; neither he nor his Jeep can be found, but I believe his bank card has shown a couple of “hits”.
Michael, we will also say a prayer for your uncle…I listened to your recordings on line and compliment you on the quality. I see you and your Mom or Dad out at Eola fairly often and will stop and say hello some day when the rest of the “old geezers” are not out there with me talking politics or some other worthless pursuit. Keep the faith.
I have a gut level feeling that this gentleman was probably murdered and his body dumped somewhere. I am hoping that law enforcement personel will find the individual who is responsible for this man’s disapearance and push for prosecution to the max. I personally think that ultimately, justice will prevail!!
This is rather disconcerting to me as the guy apparently railfans very near to where I live. I don’t get out much, and I don’t recall ever seeing him around. The Lawrenceville area isn’t what you’d call a “bad” area, but Norcross can be a bit dicey.
My guess is that most yards are in non-residential areas, and the nearby residential areas are likely low-income housing. Police patrols are probably rather infrequent also. Therefore, you have an area that is relatively police-free, with people who are trying to do the best they can with what they have.
Most yards were built near the most important parts of town for their time. Since the time they were built, however, the people that lived near them moved farther and farther away, into the suburbs, and into the subsuburbs [:P]! As the prosperity moved farther away, the seedier elements of society moved closer in near the rail yards.
Most of the yards around Milwaukee, however, are actually in somewhat good neighborhoods! Notable exception being North Milwaukee/Glendale Yard…