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Man struck, killed by freight train

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The victim was struck about 12:45 p.m. in the area of Avenue T and South 87th Street by a Union Pacific train. [Photo by LUIS MEZA]
The victim was struck about 12:45 p.m. in the area of Avenue T and 87th Street East by a Union Pacific train. [Photo by LUIS MEZA]
LITTLEROCK – A man was struck and killed by a freight train Thursday afternoon in Littlerock, authorities said.

The victim was struck by a Union Pacific train about 12:45 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, in the area of Avenue T and 87th Street East, authorities said.

“[The conductor] noticed the pedestrian walking on the track and sounded the horn, but the pedestrian did not turn around to acknowledge the horn,” said Sgt. Vensel of the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station.

“The conductor tried to brake the train, but the pedestrian never turned around and the train ended up striking the pedestrian and killing him,” Sgt. Vensel said.

Coroner’s officials did not release the deceased pedestrian’s name Thursday night.

Friends and family members at the scene said the man was 23 years old, lived nearby and was not suicidal.

Victim Pedro Gonzales [Facebook photo]
Victim Pedro Gonzales [Facebook photo]
Eduardo Gonzales said the deceased man was his brother.

“My brother was probably walking back [home] from the creek where he usually goes… and didn’t see the train behind him and didn’t hear [it] because he always has some earphones on,” Eduardo Gonzales said.

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UPDATE: The deceased pedestrian has been identified as 23-year-old Pedro Florentino Gonzales of Littlerock, according to coroner’s Assistant Chief Ed Winter.

27 comments for "Man struck, killed by freight train"

  1. I am speechless… peace and love to the family ,, I personally knew him briefly… Pedro I pray for you guys ,, stay in prayer ,, keep strength and love……
    Keep faith have love ..

  2. I’m not familiar with the area, I couldn’t find a business named “the creek” in Littlerock. Is “the creek” the wash that runs past the quarries?

    • Yes, that’s Little Rock Creek…usually dry by the time it gets that far from the foothills. Usually dry in the foothills, for that matter, except in springtime.

  3. Pedro was my student when he was in high school and he was a very sweet kid. Please don’t try to blame anyone for this. It was an accident. My prayers to his beautiful parents because I can’t even imagine the heartache they must be feeling right now, and my prayers for the conductor that has to deal with the aftermath of this tragedy. Rest in peace Pedro.

  5. For everyone who is leaving these ignorant comments. ….. first of all, you didn’t know him.when ever I would listen to his freestyles he would get in a trance. He would block everything and just focus on his verses. Just like how people “get in the moment ” whether it’s dancing, singing, reading, studying, or listening. Music was his escape from reality. Also, don’t act like you are an angel, we are only humans and we all create mistakes. But you guys are making a big one by posting all this bs about what you think…. show some respect! My friend passed away and I don’t want to read all these dumb post about you’re opinion. Let him rest in peace and save all the drama for social media. IF YOU HAVE NOTHING GOOD TO SAY THEN DON’T COMMENT! DO US ALL A FAVOR AND KEEP YOURSELF FROM LOOKING LIKE AN IDIOT! This is no laughing matter so I suggest you guys keep the comments respectful. Rest in paradise Pedro we all love you and you will forever be with us.My condolences to your family, Until we meet again bro.

  6. Forget that you can feel the tracks forget that the horn tooted at him why was he walking on the tracks when it is 1 illegal and to private property if you’re not intending to die and you’re not suicidal stay off the tracks. No more discussion needed he’s dead he was on the tracks he was where he wasn’t supposed to be and when that happens well this is what occurs

    • insensitive. I hope you never are put in a similar situation. I feel sorry for people like you being around in this world.

  8. Definitely tragic. Hopefully provides some lessons though. The guy’s brother couldn’t have said it better:

    “…and didn’t hear [it] because he always has some earphones on.”

    I see people all the time walking in deafened oblivion with cars flying by. Sure, they are off the edge of the road, but that sound of crunching gravel when some distracted driver drifts off the pavement might be the difference between living and dying…if they could hear it.

    • How about saving your little life lessons for another day jerk. Wow, a man died and all you can do is say I told you so. You’re a monster!

  9. Yes we all know we can feel the vibrations from the train but it feels exactly the same when the rock quarry is in operation with all the equipment going. He was a young happy adult so just please let him Rest In Peace.

  10. He shoulda been able to feel the tracks I live two blocks from there and I can feel the train coming

    • Yes indeed you can feel the vibrations but it feels exactly the same when the rock quarry is in operation. Especially when they have all the equipment on and going.

  12. Praying for this young mans family and what they must be going through..May he rest in God Eternal peace

  13. While this is a tragedy for the family of the deceased, let’s not forget the pool conductor who was powerless despite his efforts to prevent it from happening. That’s got to weigh heavy on you.

  14. Lord have mercy!! My heart and prayers are with his family snd friends.. I am so sorry for your loss. May God bless and comfort you all.

    • If you don’t live next to train tracks you wouldn’t know that you don’t feel the tracks shaking before it’s to late.