Police: Train stopped on Edmonds waterfront result of an apparent suicide

The freight train stopped along the Edmonds waterfront Saturday night. (Photo by Julia Wiese)

Edmonds police said that a train stopped along the Edmonds waterfront Saturday night was the result of an apparent suicide on the railroad tracks.

Edmonds police spokesman Sgt. Shane Hawley said that witnesses reported seeing a woman put herself into the path of a freight train that was traveling along the tracks around 9:15 p.m. Saturday.

The stopped train was blocking traffic at Main Street but vehicles and pedestrians were able to cross the tracks at Dayton Street, Hawley said.

People are advised to avoid the area while police investigate, he added.

The official cause and manner of the death will be determined by the Snohomish County Medical Examiner’s Office, Hawley said.

The Washington State Ferries announced that the Edmonds-Kingston route will be out of service until further notice.

  1. I happened to be walking down to watch the sunset when I saw the ambulance race by. So much heartache for that women’s family. My heart is with them tonight.

  2. I was sitting 20 feet away with my five year old daughter. She heard the agony of those who witnessed this tradjedy.

  3. My daughter and I were waiting for my husband at the park, when we saw a distraught women sit on the bench closest to the train track. A man was standing there talking to her, it looked like she was crying. My daughter and I thought of stopping and asking to see if she is ok. We didn’t because we had no idea how this man would react with us interfering. At this time my husband showed up and we decided to go to Dimitris for a drink and a bite to eat. 5 minutes later we think this women committet suicide. Very, very sad, all we can do now is pray for her, for her family and all the people who witnessed this first hand at Dimitris, standing by the beach or the street.

  4. So unbelievably sad. Wish I had known her….. too late now. A reminder to all to check on the ones we know & love and REALLY ask… “are you doing ok?”. Only takes a minute to do. We need to be there for each other in this difficult life.

  5. I was on the deck of Demetris when this happened, as well, just a few feet away. I had noticed the woman on the opposite side of the tracks watching the first train go by about 30 minutes before. I thought nothing of it because many other people were waiting for it to go by. My boyfriend and I were in awe by the sunset and how beautiful it was, so our eyes were right in the direction of the incident. We both witnessed her run up to the track, drop to the ground, and lay her head on the train track rail. It was so quick it almost seemed like a prank, but it wasnt. It was one of the most horrifying and saddest moments of my life. Had I know this woman was in so much pain the first time I noticed her, I would have reached out to her. I can’t stop thinking about what I saw…It keeps playing over and over in my mind. I hope that other people who feel this way will reach out to someone and know that they are not alone. If that poor woman had waited until the next day, maybe it would have been different. She and everyone who witnessed this tragic incident will forever be in my thoughts. Sending my love to her, her family, and everyone who feels alone.

  6. Thank you for the witness statements. It’s helping me find closure. I didn’t see the actual accident. But I was a first responder. I had just come from from Kingston, was up top with my little dog admiring the sunset & view. Well I waited til last second to get to my friends van & got lost. Panicked, I picked up my dog & went for help as cars were unloading. They made me wait to cross to the foot bridge& I watched the van drive off. When I got to the other side I was still preoccupied with trying to call my friend, stopped, looked up & realized something was wrong.. guys were jumping all around the train but nobody had it together. I knew there were nice women around me, turned, used my instincts, picked a woman & said please, hold my dog, stay right here, and give her back to me ok? I need to see if I can help. She said yes, I nodded and ran to the scene, obviously hoping I could help save a life, no idea what I was about to see. From the chest up was missing. I won’t get graphic but obviously it was very gory, something nobody should have to see.. Those couple seconds will stay with me forever, as I processed that she wasn’t coming back, tried to figure out now what? Thank goodness as I looked up, I kind man in tears was holding up a large beach towel and walking towards us. I walked up to him and said no, let me do it, I’ve already seen it, don’t look, I got this. He thanked me and walked away in tears. I was very careful to cover her completely, including her bent legs and feet. Said a blessing and walked back to my dog. Police started to show as I walked away to the beach, warning people with kids not to go up there. Had a moment at the beach & started to walk to get across the tracks. So after that experience, I really do THANK YOU for the witness statements. It’s very sad & I needed closure. Blessings to all, & keep your friends& loved ones close. No joke. Life is short and you never know what tomorrow holds!

    1. Thanks for your statement Hazel, it has helped me to get closure too. Thinking of you and everyone else who was there. <3 We all need to come together in times like these. Sending love out into the universe.

    2. That man who gave you the blanket was my nephew. He was there with his wife and two children. When he got back to his car, they all prayed together for her. This tragedy has really affected a lot of people.

    3. I saw the same as you. I was on the other side of the train and also had to make sure there was nothing that I could do to help. I was one of the people who jumped over the train. Very sad and heartbreaking moment for everyone involved

  7. I think my husband and I saw you two as well. One of my biggest concerns was for the youngster I knew who was there too. I hope she did not witness anything. I am so thankful that our 2 1/2 year old daughter wasn’t there. I don’t know what I would have done. Clearly, it was a horrific event for everyone. I hope you guys are coping as well as you can.

  8. Please does anyone know what the man was saying to her that made her so upset? This just wasn’t like her.

    1. I have a description of the man. I thought that he was bothering her, because she appeared upset. My daughter however, who was with me, said she heard him, and thought that he was trying to comfort her. At the vigil for the deceased on June 30th at 8:45 at Brackett’s Landing I hope many, including myself will get some closure.

      1. Hi. I was a close friend of this young women, she was a regular attendee at my church; thank you so much for your thoughts, kind words & prayers for her & her family. I attended her memorial yesterday, Saturday afternoon, this man who was speaking to her on the bench was at the service & he told me that yes he was trying to comfort & console her at the time.

  9. I was on the deck at Demetri’s along with my mom and best friend. We all were enjoying the sunset when I saw a woman run from the crowd straight for the tracks, drop her purse and kneel down to lay her head on the tracks seconds before the train ran over her. By the time the train hit her I called 911 at 9:12pm and was on the phone with them before the train even stopped. Witnessing the entire incident by a few feet has been so traumatic. I keep hearing that man’s screams when the train stopped. My heart goes out to Hazel for her actions. And to everyone else who witnessed this horrific incident. Jayden I believe I talked with you and you boyfriend inside afterwards. Hope you are healing and doing the best you can. Reading everyone’s statements have helped SO much in giving me closure. My prayers and love go out to her and her family and everyone who witnessed this event.

  10. I am sorry if my request for more information is disturbing you. She was a close friend. You all talk about closure but are not willing to help those who loved her find closure?! How do you think i feel not knowing what led my friend to do this? Maybe there is someone decent enough on here to provide the info i need. I pray you are never in my shoes. And don’t think it won’t happen to you because i thought the same thing.

  11. Renee, I am not disturbed by your request. I would be feeling the same way if it was my friend. I really wish I could help, but I don’t know any other information. I’m really sorry for your loss…it’s not something any of us can understand. Can the police provide more information? Or her family? Do you know the man she was talking to? I hope you find the answers your looking for… :/

  12. I was walking down to meet a friend to watch the sunset. I was taking pictures from where I was coming from, and my friend from the other side of the train tracks. I stopped to remove my sunglasses and put my regular glasses on which caused me to miss seeing it. Thankful for that and deeply understanding for those who did. I was one of the ones who comforted the screaming man who jumped over the patio wall in an impulsive way, for there was no way anyone could have stopped her. Saved her, perhaps! The man in my arms and that of two others was so awful and tender. We thought it was a family member. He kept screaming “I have her blood on my shoes.” At one point I said “ take the ******* shoes off’ not sure this was right to say. But who has training in this. My heart was beating so fast I can’t tell you how it felt to lay on his sobbing body. At one point I looked at all those people standing on Demetri patio. Some weeping, and some extending their hands in prayer. That!! Gave me years! For the first time, I felt One with all of these people. I have thousands of Edmonds sunsets on my phone. I love them so much! In the 33 months I’ve lived here. This one was very special to me. I was meeting someone that I love very much. She passed to one of Edmonds most beautiful sunsets and there was so much love and Onesnees like I’ve never know. I can not stop thinking of this. I cry. I get depressed, I feel sad. I took a very early yoga class, set my intentions, but all through class I got tears. I asked God to turn those tears outward that my heart will be ok. Not trying to sound so dramatic. This helped me a great deal. To have felt so much love. And to know that it’s still out there. I now feel empowered to know that I am much more sensitive to this great concern and to inspire that Oneness that I felt that evening.
    Namaste

    1. Thank you! This has been way too much for any human to handle. I still feel him under me!! What time and where is the vigil? I must be there. No judgment!! As I said there are no instructions on what to say do feel. I impulsively reached out to your hurting friend. Not sure if it was ok or not, but we just do what comes to us to do.

  13. This is all so surreal & still vividly in my mind. Unbelievable. My family & I are all still in shock since Saturday. My husband, my 12 year old daughter & I were about 50 feet away when the incident occurred. We had just drove down to the beach to catch the beautiful sunset that night. We were only there 5 minutes because my daughter was exhausted from her soccer tournament & wanted to leave. We jumped in our car, backed up & that’s when my husband yelled ” what is that lady doing!” I looked up from my phone only to see the saddest thing I’ve ever witnesses in my entire life. Thankfully our 12 year old did not see. We felt so hopeless because we knew she was gone instantly. There was nothing anyone could do but pray. So we immediately all held hands & prayed like crazy. For the woman, for the conductor, for the witnesses & for the 1st responders. My husband then said “do we have our blanket.” I replied “yes” & immediately went to get it. He said “I don’t think I can do it” I responded “you have to”. He immediately got out of the car & headed towards the woman who had just passed away before our eyes. When he got close to the deceased woman a woman right near her took the blanket from him & said “thank you” & covered her body. I am so proud of my husband for his quick thinking & bravery. It was so surreal & sad that most of us who witnessed the accident seemed to freeze. And because we all knew she was gone & we couldn’t save her, we felt so sad and helpless. It was the saddest thing I have ever experienced in my 47 years on this earth but I truly believe God put us down at the waterfront watching that beautiful sunset for just 5 minutes for a reason. My prayers & thoughts go out to her family & friends. She will always live in my heart as I will never forget this night. May she Rest In Peace & have pain no more.

  14. I’ve been reading these comments the last few days and have hesitated to comment. I was one of the crew members operating the train. We were having a great day, enjoying the beautiful weather and all the people down the coastline. And suddenly this young lady decided to do what we all dread. We thought it was simply another foolish person trying to beat the train through the crossing. But then we saw her lay down and knew there was nothing we could do to stop in time. Thankfully we didn’t have the same view the people on the ground did, but we saw enough. It does no good to replay the scene in your mind, but it often pops up of its own accord. I know the witnesses on the ground experienced a much worse ordeal than I did. I am also amazed by the bravery, courage, and compassion of those who covered the young ladies body. I know I didn’t enjoy walking back to inspect the train. But there is no way to make sense of this incident. What makes me sad is that someone was in such a place in their life that they felt such an unthinkable action was actually a viable solution, or maybe she didn’t think much at all. As I loaded my gear into the van that night in Edmonds, I looked out over the Sound at a beatiful, slender, crescent moon, and all I could think was that this young lady would never be able to see the moon rise again. So I’ve spent the last three days with my family, laughing, loving, and enjoying every minute of this wonderful life.

    1. Thank you for your comments. I have also been reading these comments since the incident. I wasn’t able to comment until yesterday either. Because I needed time to process what was witnessed. It was just too much to handle. But all of these witness comments have really helped me find some peace. Thank you all.

      1. This has caused a shift in me. I think I now value life,mine and others much more. We just don’t know what others may be going through.
        I have been feeling so much love and a desire to help. Help make things a little easier for others.
        All of these comments have helped so much. Maybe we should form a group to do something!

  15. This is the saddest story and brings many to tears from a small town near Seattle, but it also brings many together and reminds us to savor the moments we have with each other.

  16. Thank you all for your comments. Thank God I was not a witness of this tragedy…. I was just driving to Edmonds beach to relax for a few minutes when I saw a stopped train. My car was the first one in line to cross the tracks but then I saw the blanket covering “something” on the other side. I hoped it was “something” not “somebody”… There were a lot of people standing outside on the road and the sidewalk so I rolled down my window and asked if someone knew what happened. This one girl told me ….
    I cant sleep at night. I keep thinking. All your comments made this picture very clear to me and now I am “watching” this over and over again. Suicide is a very selfish act and very painful for family members and for witnesses.. There are absolutely no reasons, none, in life worth taking your own life.
    I am very sorry for everyone who had to see or deal with this on Saturday night.

  17. This day and the mans agonizing screams will also always be with me. Thank you for your second comment!

    1. I suggested it! As I said, I felt so much human connection and love that evening. Some days I feel a void in me. It would be nice to feel that we all were there for a purpose of good.

  18. Thank you to all who have commented, I think it’s helping me process what happened… We were visiting Edmonds last weekend and were walking up towards the crossing gate right as the train was passing. As we were approaching I noticed a group of people frantically running away from the tracks and at first I thought it was because of the loud train horn, but then I glanced down and quickly realized what had just happened a second or two earlier. It was so surreal and I immediately grabbed my 9-year old daughter’s hand and rushed my family away from the scene hoping that they didn’t see anything. I’m so thankful that they didn’t. My heart goes out to everyone who did… I also want to thank Tish for being so kind to us that night after the incident. Not sure if you’ll see this but THANK YOU.

  19. I am so sorry about the horrible night.
    My 16 year old daughter is suffering from ptsd.
    She saw the event to the entirety and was very close physically to the scene. To all who have bear witness I am truly sorry. And you are not alone. As she deals with this one day at a time she is more worried about the young children. This has shook many lives. And now the aftermath is going to take years for United strangers to heal and move forward. There are so many more people in this and I only wish my daughter was united with these others because you really feel so alone in trauma. My heart is there for you all.

    1. I also am having some trouble coping with this unfortunate event. I was sitting on the patio at demetris and could not believe what I was seeing. I had jumped over the patio and ran over because I felt like she needed to have somebody’s help if she was alive. I had jumped over the train and discovered what everybody on the other side had already seen. I couldn’t have ever imagined anything such as that. I ran back to Demetri’s, where I couldn’t help, but to scream and let some of my emotion out. I’m extremely grateful for the people that helped me while I was in a bit of shock. I feel sorry for all of those people who have suffered from this, including the lady that passed that night. I will be at the vigil if you, your daughter, or anybody else would like to talk about anything while we are there.

  20. Her name was Alisson. I knew her since she was 6 years. She was the scrappiest little girl I have ever known. Blond hair blue eyes and full of p— and vinegar. She would go toe to toe with any one if she thought she was in the right! Hard to believe her life would end this way. a very very sad day for me. My deep sympathy goes out to her father and sis.

    1. I have been hoping someone would put a name, face and profile to this person that we are all grieving over! Who is she? What’s her story? Why? What? Could have been done to help her?!! ❤️

  21. We were at Demetri’s that evening, seated indoors, we saw the commotion and stepped out to find out what had happened. Shocking and very very sad, truly heartbreaking. My thoughts are with her family and friends, I can’t begin to imagine what they’re going through. I will be at the vigil.

  22. Hi. I was a close friend of this young women, she was a regular attendee at my church; she was such a sweet young lady & was always smiling & loved everyone she met. Her name was Allison, thank you so much for your thoughts, kind words & prayers for her & her family. I attended her memorial yesterday, Saturday afternoon, the man who was speaking to her on the bench right before the incident was at the service & he told me that yes he was trying to comfort & console her at the time. As I am now reading all your eye witnesses accounts & thoughts it is truly difficult to hear but I am grateful for the clarification & some closure it brings to me to. Thank you again to you all; RIP sweet friend & I will see you in heaven again someday❤

    1. Megan Woods,
      Please contact me about an item that may have belonged to Allison. I would like to offer it to her family and tell them the story behind it. I posted the item in Lost & Found on NextDoor website and 3 people there directed me to Allison and you as her friend.
      Linda Niemi

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