|
|
|
Uploaded: Monday, November 26, 2012, 9:40 AM
Man killed by Caltrain in Palo Alto identified
Jason Whitten Lee, 19, was killed on Caltrain tracks Nov. 20
|
The Santa Clara County Coroner's Office has identified the man who was hit and killed by a train in Palo Alto Nov. 20 as Jason Whitten Lee, 19. Whitten Lee's city of residence was unknown, according to the coroner's office.
At about 5:35 a.m., northbound train No. 103 struck and killed Whitten Lee at the Charleston Avenue crossing. A preliminary investigation indicated that the incident was a suicide, Caltrain spokeswoman Christine Dunn said. Caltrain spokesman Mark Simon said the train was traveling 50 mph and was about 50 yards north of the Charleston crossing at the time of the incident. Though the engineer sounded his horn and flashed his lights, he was unable to stop the train.
"This is a tragedy for everyone," Simon said.
No injuries were reported among the 55 passengers aboard the train who were later transferred to another train at East Meadow Drive. Trains were single-tracked through Palo Alto at around 10 mph until 8:40 a.m., causing system-wide delays of up to 90 minutes during the morning commute, Dunn said.
The fatality is the 11th on the Caltrain right of way so far in 2012, five of which have been determined to be suicides, Dunn said. There were 16 Caltrain-related fatalities in 2011.
Caltrain spent $110,000 in 2010 on suicide-prevention signs to help people in crisis. Anyone in need of help is urged to call the Crisis Hotline at 650-579-0355.
Anyone who sees a trespasser near the tracks is asked to call the Transit Police immediately at 1-877-723-7245.— Palo Alto Online staff/Bay City News Are you receiving Express, our free daily e-mail edition? See a sample and sign-up for Express.
|
|
| Comments
|
Posted by Frustrated mom, a resident of the Midtown neighborhood, on Nov 26, 2012 at 1:31 pm I am wondering if he was one of our kids. Did he attended our schools? It is extrange that they do not know where he lived.
|
|
Posted by Parent, a member of the Palo Alto High School community, on Nov 26, 2012 at 2:12 pm He wasn't a Paly student, according to my directories and yearbooks.
|
|
Posted by friend, a resident of Menlo Park, on Nov 26, 2012 at 3:22 pm He was enrolled at Foothill College.
|
|
Posted by KP, a resident of the South of Midtown neighborhood, on Nov 26, 2012 at 4:04 pm [Post removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]
|
|
Posted by Frustrated Mom, a resident of the Midtown neighborhood, on Nov 26, 2012 at 4:26 pm My prayers are with his family as they face this horrible tragedy. Rest in Peace.
|
|
Posted by Show some compassion please!, a resident of the Meadow Park neighborhood, on Nov 26, 2012 at 5:16 pm [Portion removed by Palo Alto Online staff.] Please show a little respect and compassion to those who are left behind. My heart goes out to the family of this young man. This is a tragic loss of a young life.
|
|
Posted by Parent, a member of the Palo Alto High School community, on Nov 26, 2012 at 5:44 pm I was suicidal in high school although I never actually attempted. Now, I am a doting mom. Those students will never know what they missed by taking their lives so soon. I read that people who jump off bridges and live to tell, have stated that on their way down, they already had regrets and no longer wanted to die. Dying is permanent; there are always solutions.
|
|
|
Sorry. This topic has been locked and no further comments can be posted. | |
Best Website
First Place
2009-2012
|
Send this story
Print this story
