PALO ALTO, Calif. — A Palo Alto High School student was killed after being struck by a Caltrain near Churchill Avenue on Wednesday morning, marking another devastating loss for the school community, district officials confirmed.
The incident occurred around 10:15 a.m. and prompted significant disruptions along the Caltrain corridor, resulting in hour-long delays and the cancellation of two trains. Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene as rail service was temporarily halted while authorities addressed the situation.
Palo Alto Unified School District Superintendent Don Austin confirmed the victim was a Palo Alto High School student and shared a message of condolence with families.
“Our thoughts are with the student’s loved ones and with all members of our school community who may be affected,” the district said in a statement.
As of Wednesday, the Santa Clara County Medical Examiner’s Office had not released the identity of the student. Caltrain spokesperson Randol White declined to provide additional details, referring to the incident only as a “medical emergency.” White cited the agency’s long-standing policy of limiting public information about deaths on the tracks in an effort to reduce the risk of copycat incidents.
The tragedy has renewed attention on the growing number of fatalities along the Caltrain system. According to Caltrain data, the agency recorded 10 deaths in 2022, 15 in 2023, and 19 in 2024 — the highest number in more than a decade. An additional 10 deaths were reported last year, based on a fatality log provided by the agency.
District officials noted that Wednesday’s incident marks the fourth death of a Palo Alto student in the past two years, a sobering statistic that has deeply affected students, staff, and families across the community.
In response to the loss, the school district has made counseling and mental health resources available to students and staff who may be struggling. Administrators encouraged families to speak with their children and to seek support if needed, emphasizing the importance of compassion and connection during times of grief.
Community members have also expressed sorrow and concern, with many calling for continued conversations around student well-being, rail safety, and mental health awareness.
Anyone who may be experiencing emotional distress or struggling with thoughts of self-harm is encouraged to reach out for help. In the United States, support is available 24 hours a day through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, accessible by calling or texting 988.
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