Oldest Amtrak Survivor Faces Life And Limits After Crash

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The oldest survivor of last year's deadly Amtrak derailment is showing significant improvement after severe injuries had him contemplating suicide.

Now 81, Aaron Levine says he can walk short distances and even play the piano. The lawyer and art collector had struggled to accept his condition and the prospect he might never walk again after the May 2015 crash.

His shoulders and ribs were crushed. His right lung was punctured. Spinal fractures left him partially paralyzed.

After three weeks in a medically induced coma, Levine asked his son to research assisted suicide. His son wouldn't oblige, forcing Levine to accept his new limitations.

Levine and his 77-year-old wife Barbara were among more than 200 people injured in the Philadelphia derailment. Eight people died.

Investigators are meeting Tuesday to determine the likely cause.