A 60-year-old man died on the morning of May 7, 2026, after being hit by a Metro A Line train in Los Angeles’ Highland Park neighborhood. The collision happened around 7:17 a.m. near the intersection of North Avenue 61 and Figueroa Street.
Los Angeles Fire Department personnel arrived at the scene and pronounced the victim dead. He was later identified as Rafael Cruz by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Cruz was on the tracks when the train passed through the corridor. Authorities have not determined why he was in that location. The incident halted service between the Highland Park and South Pasadena stations. Metro arranged bus shuttles for stranded passengers. Approximately 150 riders who had been onboard the train were safely transferred to another railcar to continue their trips.
Firefighters from Station 12 responded to the scene alongside Metro officials. They secured the area and began an initial review of the crash. Video footage from the site showed the train stopped beneath a white canopy while investigators examined the tracks. The medical examiner’s office confirmed Cruz’s identity later that day.
Cruz was a longtime resident of Los Angeles County. Neighbors expressed shock at his death, noting that pedestrian-train collisions have been a recurring issue in Highland Park. The Gold Line corridor runs at street level through both residential and commercial zones, placing pedestrians in close proximity to moving trains and vehicle traffic. Community members have previously raised concerns about crossing safety in the area.
Metro issued a statement offering condolences to Cruz’s family and reminding the public to stay alert near train crossings. Officials stressed the importance of obeying warning signals, crossing gates, and posted signs. Some residents have renewed calls for additional safety measures along the Highland Park stretch, including more gates and reduced train speeds. The investigation remains active. Witnesses are asked to contact the Los Angeles Police Department.
