A Palo Alto High School student was struck and killed by a Caltrain at the Churchill Avenue crossing on Tuesday at 8:45 a.m.
In an email to The Campanile, Police Captain James Reifschneider said the Palo Alto police and fire department handed the case to the San Mateo County Sheriff’s office after confirming the death.
“Officers and PAFD arrived and confirmed the pedestrian was deceased,” Reifschneider said. “We assisted with traffic control but handed off the investigation to the Transit Bureau of the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office.”
Caltrain later sent an automated message in response to the significant delays, characterizing the alert as a “service disruption.” Caltrain no longer reports the deaths of those who die on the train tracks.
In a statement to parents on ParentSquare, Principal Brent Kline expressed his sympathy to all who knew the student and emphasized the support resources available to students.
“We have immediately activated our Crisis Response Team,” Kline said. “Mental health professionals, counselors, and support staff will be available throughout the coming days to provide assistance to students and staff who are processing this news. We are also working with community partners to ensure additional resources are available for those in need.”
In an email to parents and staff, Assistant Principal Rebecca Shen-Lorenson said CAASPP testing is suspended for the week, given the recent circumstances.
Please contact the following resources if you have safety concerns or need immediate help:
Call 911 and request a C.I.T. (crisis intervention team) trained officer to assist you
Crisis Text Line: text “home” to 741-741
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
Bill Wilson Youth Hotline (24-hour Suicide & Crisis Line): 408-850-6125
Trevor Lifeline LGBTQQ+ Crisis Support: 1-866-488-7386
Andi Barker, Mental Health Specialist: [email protected]
Palo Alto Resident • Mar 12, 2025 at 3:57 pm
It’s not all up to the school either so it is unreasonable to just Palo Alto High School. My son is a sophomore at Henry Gunn in Palo Alto and they provide so much support and are so attentive to their needs. In addition to school kids need to have a strong support system at home and that’s the main problem with what’s happening with these deaths. Let’s take a look at how much support do these parents provide the kids. Are they actually there for them or are they too busy with work or social clubs to actually engage with your child. It’s extremely sad to see these things happening so close to home and with children who could have survived if they had their parents supporting them. Please listen to your children, pay attention, support them and don’t push them if they tell you they aren’t ready!!! My condolences to the family and everyone who knew the child.
We care so much • Mar 5, 2025 at 10:28 am
It is so good to see the support provided by the staff to the students. The compassionate discussions. Assemblies. Small group meetings. Making sure no student is left unattended. They care so so much about the students. A jib well done.
Kate S. • Mar 5, 2025 at 9:27 am
This is continuing to happen because the school allows the stress to continue by having unsupportive teachers who hide behind bad grades and Principal Kline just gives lip service.