PETALUMA, CA – A pedestrian was fatally struck by a SMART Train near the railroad trestle bridge over a tributary of the Petaluma River on Friday morning.
The incident occurred at approximately 9:54 a.m. on October 17, 2025. According to the Petaluma Police Department, officers responded after receiving an emergency call from the SMART Train Dispatch Center regarding the collision.
Upon arrival, police and Petaluma Fire Department personnel located the pedestrian on the north side of the train tracks. Lifesaving efforts were attempted, but the individual was pronounced deceased at the scene. The victim’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
The train involved was found approximately 200 yards west of the bridge. The SMART Train conductor remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation. No other injuries were reported among passengers on board.
The Petaluma Police Department Traffic Unit and Crime Scene Investigations team are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, including why the pedestrian was on the tracks in an area not accessible by roads and surrounded by open fields.
Authorities reminded the public that railroad tracks are not intended for pedestrian access and that safety barriers must not be climbed or bypassed.
Anyone with additional information or who may have witnessed the incident is urged to contact Motor Officer Nate Good at (707) 781-1262 or ngood@cityofpetaluma.org.
