According to local officials, a Glendale man was murdered around noon on Monday, April 13, 2026, after being hit by a train close to the intersection of Grandview Avenue and San Fernando Road. Shortly after noon, reports of a pedestrian on the tracks who had been struck by a passing train prompted the mobilization of emergency personnel. The train’s engineer stayed on the site as needed throughout the inquiry once it was determined that it was an Amtrak train.
Responding officers from the Glendale Police Department and paramedics arrived to find the victim deceased beside the tracks. Officials confirmed that the collision occurred at approximately 12:07 p.m. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner later identified the victim as 68-year-old Zaven Abramyan, a resident of Glendale.
Authorities stated that Abramyan was walking along the tracks at the time of the collision, though the circumstances leading him to be on the railway remain unclear. The Glendale Police Department’s initial press release noted that preliminary findings indicated the pedestrian’s actions may have been intentional, though officials have not released a final determination pending completion of the coroner’s inquest.
No injuries were reported among the train’s crew or passengers. The train remained stopped for an extended period as investigators documented the scene, interviewed the engineer, and coordinated with Amtrak personnel to ensure safe clearance of the area.
The investigation into why Abramyan was on the tracks continues, with authorities reviewing available evidence and witness statements. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office has not yet released a final determination on the manner and cause of death, and the incident remains under active investigation.
The tragedy has prompted authorities to urge the public to exercise caution near rail lines, noting that pedestrian-train collisions remain a persistent safety concern in the region. According to data from the Federal Railroad Administration, railroad-related incidents in the United States result in roughly 950 fatalities and more than 6,500 injuries each year.
