A Tuesday evening commute in Kent turned deadly when a northbound train struck and killed a 64-year-old woman who was standing on the tracks near downtown, according to police. Officers were called to the 1000 block of 1st Avenue North at about 5:51 p.m., and investigators said the woman died from her injuries at the scene.
What police say
According to Kent police, crew members operating a northbound BNSF train reported seeing a person standing on the tracks and immediately sounded the horn while attempting to stop. The crew later located the pedestrian a short distance from the spot where she had been standing.
Officers reviewed train video that appears to show the woman standing on the rails and waving as the train approached, according to the Kent Police Department.
Transit disruption
The fatal incident rippled through the evening commute. Sound Transit service alerts show multiple Sounder and S Line runs were delayed or canceled while crews worked at the scene of what the agency described as a "non‑involved fatality incident" on the tracks.
Some southbound trains were held at Tukwila and delays dragged on for hours. Sound Transit listed alternate bus routes for stranded riders and warned the public to plan for extended delays as the response continued into the evening.
Local safety context
The death comes amid an ongoing push in Kent to address rail safety after a troubling series of similar cases. From 2019 to 2022, the city saw multiple pedestrians killed by trains while officials pursued crossing upgrades and a possible quiet zone, as reported by the Kent Reporter.
On the national level, the Federal Railroad Administration notes that trespassing on railroad rights of way remains the leading cause of rail-related deaths across the country, a stark reminder that trains can appear closer and move faster than they seem from trackside. That warning comes from the FRA.
Investigation and tips
Kent police said the investigation is ongoing and asked anyone who was in the area or who may have video or information to contact the department's tip line, according to the department's Facebook post.
Investigators have not publicly identified the woman as the probe continues. Police again urged residents to stay off railroad property, obey all warning signs and signals, and treat tracks as active at all times, even when a train is not immediately visible.
