Kevin C. Morales Obituary, Death – Authorities have released the identity of the man who tragically lost his life after being struck by a New Jersey Transit train in Hackensack earlier this week. The victim, identified as Kevin C. Morales, 36, was a resident of Hackensack, according to police and NJ Transit officials.
The fatal incident occurred late in the morning on Wednesday, May 22. Morales was struck near the Clinton Place crossing, a commonly used railway crossing point in the city. According to a spokesperson from NJ Transit, the accident happened at approximately 11:36 a.m. and involved Pascack Valley Line train number 1624.
The train, which had departed from Spring Valley in Rockland County, New York, at 10:55 a.m., was en route to its final destination in Hoboken, New Jersey. It was expected to arrive at 12:05 p.m. but was delayed as emergency crews responded to the scene of the incident.
There were 78 passengers aboard the train at the time of the collision, but no additional injuries were reported. NJ Transit officials confirmed that all passengers and train crew members were safe, and no one else was harmed in the accident.
First responders arrived at the scene shortly after the train stopped, and efforts were made to secure the area while police conducted an initial investigation. Train service in the area was temporarily suspended as emergency crews worked and officials began reviewing the circumstances that led to the fatality.
The details about how Morales came to be on the tracks at the time of the incident remain unclear. As of now, authorities have not released further information on whether the collision was accidental, intentional, or the result of a medical emergency. NJ Transit and local police are continuing their investigation to determine the exact events that led to Morales being struck.
The Clinton Place crossing, where the accident occurred, is a known train crossing in Hackensack. While there have been safety measures in place, such as warning signals and crossing gates, incidents still occasionally occur. Officials have not indicated whether there were any equipment malfunctions or signal issues at the time of the collision, but those factors are typically reviewed as part of the post-incident investigation.
The news of Morales’ death has deeply affected the Hackensack community. Friends and neighbors have expressed their sorrow over the loss, with many offering condolences to Morales’ family. Those who knew him described Morales as a quiet but friendly individual who kept to himself but was respectful and kind. His sudden and tragic passing has left many in shock.
Following the incident, NJ Transit issued a statement acknowledging the event and offering their sympathies. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of life in this tragic incident. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and all those affected,” the statement read.
The train was held at the scene for several hours while officials from NJ Transit and the local medical examiner’s office completed their work. Train service resumed later in the afternoon, though passengers on board train 1624 experienced significant delays.
As part of standard protocol, the train’s engineer and crew will likely undergo interviews as part of the investigation. In many such cases, video footage from the train and trackside cameras is reviewed to understand what happened in the moments leading up to the accident. NJ Transit and local law enforcement have not indicated when further updates will be made available, but they assured the public that the investigation is ongoing and thorough.
The tragic death of Kevin C. Morales highlights the potential dangers surrounding railway tracks and crossings. While accidents involving trains are relatively rare, they can be devastating when they occur. Officials often use incidents like this as reminders to the public about the importance of exercising caution near train tracks and obeying all crossing signals and barriers.
Meanwhile, those affected by the incident — from the passengers on board to Morales’ loved ones — are left to process the grief and trauma of an unexpected tragedy. No memorial details or funeral arrangements have been made public yet, but local community members have voiced interest in organizing a vigil or tribute in Morales’ memory.
As the investigation continues, authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has relevant information to contact the Hackensack Police Department or NJ Transit Police. They are particularly interested in speaking to individuals who may have seen Morales in the area before the incident occurred.
For now, the Hackensack community mourns the loss of one of its own while officials work to uncover the facts behind the tragic event.