Caltrain Rolling Through Palo Alto Strikes And Kills 16-Year-Old Boy In Apparent Suicide
PALO ALTO (KCBS)— A 16-year-old boy was struck and killed by a Caltrain early Tuesday morning in an apparent suicide. The victim was a student at Gunn High School.
It was around 1 a.m. when the last southbound train of the night was passing through Palo Alto near California Ave. The train then struck the pedestrian.
"These are the kinds of things that are very difficult for the people on board the train as well as for the Caltrain staff," said spokesperson Christine Dunn. She said passengers stayed on board the train and were able to continue to their destinations.
The boy's identity has not been released, but Palo Alto Unified School District confirmed he was a student at Gunn High School.
Counseling services are in place for fellow students and staff members at that school.
"They are actively involved in talking to students about this very sad situation and we want people to let people know that there is help," said Dunn.
Caltrain recently launched a 'There Is Help' signage program with a hotline number for anyone who is feeling depressed, troubled or suicidal.
Dunn said Caltrain is also working to find solutions to pedestrian fatalities.
"The least expensive and the quickest solution is an elevated grade separation." She said right now there is no funding available for any separation projects.
There is Help— Crisis Hotline Number: 1 800 784 2433
SUICIDE PREVENTION RESOURCES:
SAN FRANCISCO: www.sfsuicide.org
SAN MATEO COUNTY: www.star-vista.org
SANTA CLARA COUNTY: www.psnpaloalto.com