Two pedestrians killed by trains in Kent were most likely suicides

Two pedestrians killed by trains in Kent were most likely suicides

Men ages 20, 55 die in separate incidents on BNSF Railway tracks

The two pedestrians killed by trains in separate incidents earlier this week in Kent were most likely suicides.

A 55-year-old SeaTac man died at about 4:03 p.m. Wednesday after he was hit by a southbound Sounder (Sound Transit) commuter train on the BNSF Railway tracks at South 212th Street and 77th Avenue South.

A 20-year-old Seattle man died after he was hit by a southbound Amtrak train at about 7:50 a.m. Tuesday on the BNSF Railway tracks near First Avenue South and West Willis Street.

Preliminary evidence strongly suggests these tragic events were most likely suicides, Kent Police said in a Thursday news release. Police have worked with BNSF Railway investigators to determine the cause of the two fatal collisions.

Investigators used witness accounts to help determine the cause, Kent Police detective Melanie Robinson said in an email.

Both areas where the two men crossed have working and functional crossing arms to prevent vehicles and pedestrians from crossing the tracks, according to police. The tracks are also posted with no trespassing signs.

The King County Medical Examiner’s Office on Thursday ruled the death of the SeaTac man as a suicide. The office has not yet issued a ruling on the death of the Seattle man.

Crisis hotline

People looking for help can call the 24/7 Crisis Clinic Hotline at 866-427-4747. The agency provides immediate help to individuals, families and friends of people in emotional crisis. They can help determine if you or your loved one needs professional consultation and can link you to the appropriate services. It is the primary source for linking Seattle-King County residents to emergency mental health services.




Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website http://kowloonland.com.hk/?big=submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in News

Appian Way Apartments, 25818 26th Pl. S., on Kent’s West Hill. COURTESY PHOTO, Apartments.com
Mercy Housing to pay for flood damages at Kent’s Appian Way Apartments

Units damaged after teen driver struck fire hydrant in parking lot

t
Kent-based Puget Sound Fire sends firefighters to combat LA wildfires

Seven firefighters part of group across the state to assist in California

t
Teen crashes into fire hydrant, floods Kent apartments

15-year-old driver reportedly moving car in parking lot when he struck hydrant

t
City of Kent opens two new roundabouts along Reith Road

Contractor wraps up construction along route between West Hill and Valley

File Photo
Death of Kent man, 61, at home in October 2024 ruled homicide

King County Sheriff’s Office says incident ‘remains an open death investigation’

t
Sound Transit light rail stations in Kent closer to completion | Photos

Vehicle testing begins as agency eyes spring 2026 opening of Federal Way Link extension

t
Kent Police bust four people for DUI on New Year’s Day

Officers arrest drivers between 1 and 5 a.m. during extra patrols following New Year’s Eve

Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent. FILE PHOTO
Three men charged in 2023 Kent murder of 48-year-old woman

Recent witness information identifying men help lead to charges in July 2023 shooting

FILE PHOTO, Bailey Jo Josie, Sound Publishing
Chase Wilcoxson, father to Matilda, 13, and Eloise,12, places a family photo at the roadside memorial dedicated to his daughters, Buster Brown, 12, and Andrea Hudson, 38, killed in a March 19 crash.
Year in review: Kent’s top stories of 2024

A month-by-month look at several of the headlining stories.

t
Kent Reporter’s most viewed web stories of 2024

Second fatal shooting of Kent-Meridian student in three days leads the list

t
Kent man pleads guilty to attempted luring of 6-year-old girl

Prosecutors initially filed second-degree attempted kidnapping charge in July case

t
Man charged with tagging Kent water tower faces nine other cases

Kyle A. McLaughlin pleads not guilty in two cases but Kent arraignment and other cases continued