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: abarker@pausd.org