Edhat Staff
Update by the edhat staff
November 8, 2023
The Santa Barbara Count Sheriff’s Office has released the name of the teenager who was struck and killed by a passing train in Goleta on Monday.
The victim has been identified as16-year-old Shylah Alexander, a student at San Marcos High School.
The circumstances surrounding the collision are still under investigation.
A fundraising page through GoFundMe has been created to help the family.
“She wowed us with her creativity and talent, she soothed us with her smile and she gave the best hugs. We will miss you more than we can say,” the page states. “Please cherish your loved ones you never know when it’s going to be the last hug, the last smile and the last laugh. Keep us in your prayers and thank you for your help”
The Santa Barbara Unified School District has released a statement to students, parents, and the community regarding the death.
“It is with a heavy heart that I am writing to inform you that we have lost one of our San Marcos students today. The Sheriff’s department is working with the family. We know that students will process in different ways and at different times; if you observe that your student is in emotional distress, please connect them to support on campus or encourage them to connect with an adult at home,” wrote Superintendent Dr. Hilda Maldonado.
Emotional support is being offered at San Marcos High School and Dr. Maldonado states anyone needing support throughout the District should reach out to school administrators.
“Please know that we care about all of our students, families, teachers and staff,” Dr. Maldonado wrote. “If there are any additional ways we can support you during this difficult time, please let us know. We are heartbroken over this loss.”
By the edhat staff
November 6, 2023
A pedestrian has died after getting struck and killed by a passing train on Monday morning.
Around 9:00 a.m., emergency personnel responded to the railroad tracks in the 4500 block of Hollister Ave behind the former county Juvenile Hall building.
The identity of the victim has not been released, although unofficial reports state the victim is a 16-year-old female and San Marcos High School student.
Train tracks were closed for several hours delaying the arrival of Amtrak Pacific Surfliner passenger trains. It’s unclear whether the train involved was a passenger train or not.
This is a developing story.
Very sad. The train tracks in that area are remote and far from any pedestrian traffic, unlike where they pass through Santa Barbara.
This is so sad. Noozhawk reports that it was a 16 yo girl, and San Marcos sent out a notification that a student has died.
This is so incredibly sad.
My deepest condolences to the family and friends. So terribly tragic.
In the early 2000s the Union Pacific railroad replaced the old Southern Pacific bolted-together tracks with new track that had welded joints. The UP then increased the speed limit for both passenger and freight trains by 10mph. Several track signal lights were also removed totally–these also served to warn pedestrian trespassers.
Lowering the train speed limit through Goleta and SB might reduce the accidental pedestrian. deaths.
Like it or not, people are gonna trespass on the railroad grade.
Trully saddened! So many questions??