Pedestrian killed by Cheyenne Frontier Days Train in Adams County

[mahatmakanejeeves]

Hat tip, Trainorders: Steam & Excursion > UP 844,

Date: 07/21/18 20:55
Re: UP 844,
Author: Jbarton
I just returned from the scene. Incredibly sad situation and prayers go out to all involved. Buses are there to take people off. My nephew has video of 844 going into I guess you'd call it emergency with smoke pouring out. For what its worth there is drone video of the accident.

Jim Barton

Pedestrian killed by Cheyenne Frontier Days Train in Adams County

Emergency responders are at the scene investigating

By Chaney Skilling | [e-mail] |
July 21, 2018 at 9:40 pm

The Denver Post Cheyenne Frontier Days Train struck and killed a pedestrian at the intersection of 124th Avenue and U.S. 85 in Henderson about 7:45 Saturday evening, according to a Union Pacific spokeswoman.

The train was heading south back to Denver from Cheyenne, carrying about 700 passengers. As of 9:20 p.m., no other injuries were reported. Buses were en route to pick up train passengers, according to Union Pacific. ... Emergency responders along with Union Pacific Police and the Adams County Sheriff’s Department are on the scene investigating.

The Cheyenne Frontier Days Train is an annual event hosted by the Denver Post Community Foundation, that transports more than 700 passengers from Denver to Cheyenne for the day’s festivities, including the downtown parade, a barbecue at the rodeo grounds and the “Daddy of ’em All” rodeo.

The 15-car steam engine train departed Denver at 6:30 a.m. and was expected to return from Cheyenne around 9 p.m., according to the Union Pacific schedule.

[Wellstone ruled]

1. Sorry to here this.

This is one of the most desired Train Events for Railroading Hobbyist and Rail Fans.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

2. The Up #844 Accident -Freeze Frame -Shows What Actually Happened!

Steam & Excursion > The Up #844 Accident -Freeze Frame -Shows What Actually Happened!

There's a link to the video, which is hard to watch.

I ride the DC Metro system every workday. I see people staring at their phones as they walk along Metrorail platforms, not paying any attention to their surroundings. While waiting at bus stops, I see people drive by staring at their phones, not the least bit concerned about where they're going.

I do not own a smartphone.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

3. Update: Investigators rule UP 844 excursion death accidental; family agrees

Hat tip, Trainorders: Steam & Excursion > UP844 fatality ruled an accident

Investigators rule UP 844 excursion death accidental; family agrees
By Bill Diven | August 5, 2018

BRIGHTON, Colo. — Investigators say the death of a woman photographing Union Pacific steam locomotive No. 844 July 21 suggests the woman was more focused on her cellphone screen than the approaching train. In an interview, the woman’s husband agrees with that assessment, saying that he would not want the accident to deter steam excursions.

The 15-page report by the Adams County, Colo., Sheriff's Department, draws no conclusions on why Kelly Michelle Yarish chose to stand on the "tie section" of the tracks. The sheriff's office, lead agency in the investigation, released the report late Friday in response to a public-records request filed by Trains News Wire.

No. 844 was on its only excursion of the year leading the annual Cheyenne Frontier Days Special on the return trip to Denver when it entered the community of Henderson, Colo., shortly before 7:45 p.m. When it crossed East 124th Avenue at an estimated at or above 50 mph, a video shows two people "hanging out of the left side of the cab" apparently looking at something on the track ahead, a deputy writes in the report.

Investigators determined Yarish was photographing with her cellphone on the east side of the tracks when a couple and their 13-year-son on the west side saw her. "She looked to be focused on her phone, pointed at the train," according to the report. ... Yarish, 56, died instantly from traumatic injuries. Videos of the moments before the collision, and one of the collision itself, were collected from witnesses on both sides of the track, a drone operator, and a security camera at a nearby business.
....