Full Notification

On August 13, 2018, at approx. 5:48am, Novato Police Department officers responded to a report of a pedestrian struck on the railroad track by a SMART train in the area of N. Hamilton Parkway.  Arriving officers assisted SMART personnel who were performing CPR and providing first aid.  Unfortunately the pedestrian died from her injuries.  The Novato Police Department Major Accident Investigation Team responded to the location and is working with the Marin County Sheriff’s Office Coroner Division to determine why the pedestrian was on the tracks and did not hear the multiple horn activations and attempts to get her attention.  Preliminary information leads investigators to believe the pedestrian was on the tracks with the intent to commit suicide.  SMART is cooperating with the investigation and it appears all safety procedures and protocols were followed.  Rail service was stopped in the area for approximately three hours while passengers were interviewed and investigation was carried out.
The Novato Police Department offers our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.  The Marin County Sheriff’s Office Coroner is working to notify the family of the victim and will release the identity at the appropriate time. 
 
We remind the community to always be vigilant in the vicinity of railroad crossings and tracks.  The link below provides some simple rail safety tips to keep everyone safe and alive:

https://sonomamarintrain.org/sites/default/files/Documents/SAFETY-FACT-SHEET-2017_0.pdf