Los Angeles: On Thursday, July 19, 2001, at approximately 5:00 p.m., an eighteen to twenty year old male, whose name and area of residence are unknown at this time, was walking eastbound on Vernon Boulevard at Long Beach Boulevard. For reasons unknown at this time he was struck by a southbound MTA commuter train. Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics transported to California Hospital emergency room. The victim failed to respond to treatment and was pronounced dead at 6:01 P.M. as a result of massive blunt force trauma.

According to witnesses at the scene, the crossing guards were down, and all audible and visual signals were activated at the time of the incident. The investigation is ongoing and being conducted by Central Traffic Division Detectives. Anyone with further information can contact Detective II Tony Barnes at 213 485-3111.

This press release was prepared by Officer Don Cox, Media Relations Section, 213 485-3586.