Luz E. Lopez Obituary, Death – Authorities have identified the woman who was killed after being struck by an NJ Transit train in Hackensack last week as 79-year-old Luz E. Lopez, a resident of the city. The announcement was made by NJ Transit officials following the fatal incident.
According to a spokesperson for NJ Transit, the tragedy occurred just before 10 a.m. last Thursday near the intersection of Sussex Street and Railroad Avenue. Lopez was walking in the area when she was hit by the train.
The train involved was Pascack Valley Line Train 1651, which had departed from Hoboken at 9:34 a.m. It was approaching Essex Street Station in Hackensack at the time of the collision and was scheduled to arrive at New Bridge Landing station in River Edge by 10:01 a.m. The exact circumstances that led to Lopez being on or near the tracks have not yet been disclosed.
NJ Transit officials stated that none of the five passengers or crew members aboard the train sustained injuries. Following the incident, service along the Pascack Valley Line was temporarily halted while authorities worked at the scene, leading to delays and service adjustments for other riders.
Public records indicate that Lopez lived roughly eight blocks from Essex Street Station, placing her residence within walking distance of the location where she was struck. No further personal details about her have been released by the agency.
The New Jersey Transit Police Department is handling the investigation, seeking to determine the factors that contributed to the incident. This includes reviewing train operation records, conducting witness interviews, and examining whether any safety protocols were breached.
Fatal train-pedestrian collisions remain a serious concern for transit authorities, as they can occur for a variety of reasons, including accidental trespassing, intentional acts, or safety-related issues near crossings and stations. Officials continue to remind the public to stay alert and avoid entering restricted areas near train tracks to prevent such tragedies.
As the investigation continues, NJ Transit has extended condolences to Lopez’s family and friends, acknowledging the devastating impact of the loss. The community, particularly those living in proximity to the train stations and tracks, has been reminded of the importance of rail safety and awareness.
Service on the Pascack Valley Line resumed after the scene was cleared, but the incident has prompted renewed calls for safety measures and public education campaigns aimed at reducing rail-related fatalities in New Jersey.
