UPDATED: Freight train kills pedestrian in Edmonds

Edmonds Police reported Sunday that a pedestrian was killed by a freight train along the Edmonds waterfront.

At about 3:30 p.m., Edmonds police received a 911 call about the incident, which occurred near the 900 block of Cary Road, Edmonds Police Cmdr. Josh McClure said. 

"Based on the situation and out of respect for the family, we have no further information to release at this time," McClure said. "The medical examiner will release the cause and manner of death when the investigation is concluded."

Washington State Ferries experienced significant delays due to the fatality investigation. Many chose the alternate route of Seattle-Bainbridge, according to WSF. Access to the waterfront was restored at about 6 p.m.

Ferry service was delayed for more than two hours. BNSF Railway responded to assist.

Other recent incidents

On April 27, an 18-year-old male from Edmonds was sitting next to the railroad tracks near Wharf Street in Edmonds. with an 18-year-old female and two other friends. The male was struck by a passing passenger train and suffered injuries. He was taken to Harborview and survived.

The 18-year-old female from Lynnwood was struck by rocks or other debris in the face. She suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene and left with family, who had been called. 

In May 2023, one person died after a train struck them in the 700 block of Driftwood Lane, according to Edmonds police. Officers received a 911 call and responded to the area, attempting to locate a person in crisis. During the search, officers were told that a train had struck someone.

In June 2018, a woman died by suicide on the tracks at Main St.

In April 2018, a 76-year-old woman suffered minor injuries while trying to beat the train at West Dayton Street and Railroad Avenue.

Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railroad tracks are private property, and violators are subject to citation or arrest for criminal trespass.

Edmonds PD reminds the public that railroad tracks are incredibly dangerous and victims often misjudge the speed or which track trains are on. Tracks should only be crossed at clearly marked and identifiable crossings.

No person should ever play or remain on the tracks or use unauthorized areas to access the Edmonds waterfront.