Jesse Nishikawa Obituary, Death – A man who died after being electrocuted on the Metro train tracks in Los Angeles’ Westlake District has been identified by authorities. The Los Angeles County Office of Medical Examiner confirmed on Wednesday that the victim was 33-year-old Jesse Nishikawa, who was experiencing homelessness at the time of the incident.
The fatal accident occurred late Tuesday morning at the Westlake/MacArthur Park Station, located in the 600 block of South Alvarado Street. According to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), emergency crews were dispatched around 11:30 a.m. following reports of a person down on the train tracks. This station services both the B (Red) and D (Purple) Metro lines.
When firefighters arrived, they discovered that Nishikawa had come into contact with the third rail—an electrified rail that supplies power to the trains. Brian Humphrey, a spokesperson for the LAFD, explained that the man had “apparently made contact with the electrically energized third rail,” which carries a deadly amount of current.
Emergency personnel confirmed Nishikawa’s death at the scene. No other injuries were reported, and Metro service was temporarily disrupted during the emergency response.
As of now, it is not known how Nishikawa ended up on the tracks. Authorities have not released any surveillance footage or witness accounts that might provide insight into whether he fell, jumped, or was somehow pushed. It remains unclear if he was attempting to cross the tracks or was in the area for another reason when the fatal contact occurred.
An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the official cause of death, although initial reports suggest electrocution was the primary factor. Toxicology tests may also be conducted as part of the post-mortem investigation.
Jesse Nishikawa’s death has sparked conversation around safety concerns and the vulnerability of unhoused individuals in urban transit systems. Advocates for the homeless note that those without stable shelter often take refuge in public spaces like train stations, where they face greater risks of injury or death.
Officials have not said whether Metro plans to review safety measures or increase security in the wake of the incident, but the case has drawn renewed attention to how people can access restricted areas like train tracks, especially in high-traffic stations such as Westlake/MacArthur Park.
The investigation into the circumstances of Nishikawa’s death is ongoing. Authorities have asked that anyone with information about the incident or who may have seen something unusual at the station around the time of the accident contact local law enforcement or Metro officials.
In the meantime, Metro service has resumed normal operations at the station, though the tragic event has left transit riders and officials alike reflecting on how similar incidents might be prevented in the future.
