DEL MAR, CALIFORNIA – A Washington state man who was fatally struck by a northbound Coaster train Tuesday night while walking a dog was in town dogsitting. The man was identified by the Medical Examiner’s Office as Thomas Patrick McGrann. He was 42. McGrann was walking a black lab around 7:30 p.m.  He was heading eastbound across the train tracks near the old Del Mar train station when the train rounded the corner.

The train was going about 50 miles per hour at the time and conductors only had a few seconds to apply the brakes and sound the horn. The train did not hit the man straight on but instead the side of the train clipped him. People at the scene called 911 and started CPR but McGrann died about an hour later. A conductor told passengers that the man did not appear to be paying attention. The train was the last northbound coaster of the night. It left Old Town station at 7:06 p.m. and was headed up to the coast to Oceanside. All passengers were taken off the coaster and put on busses after the accident. A spokeswoman for the North County Transit District, which operates the coaster, said all the crossing devices were checked and had been working properly at the time.

Our hearts go out to McGann. It does not seem like anyone was really at fault here, it was more likely just a tragic accident. However, in many similar cases, the death is caused by a reckless or negligent third party. If you have lost a loved one in such an accident, the wrongful death lawyers at Berman & Riedel, LLP in San Diego, California can help you.

Our lawyers handle wrongful death cases with compassion and legal expertise. Contact the firm to set up a consultation free of change. In addition, you can visit the main firm website at www.bermanlawyers.com to learn more about wrongful death law.