16-year-old Maple Ridge girl struck and killed by incoming train while texting, listening to music

Investigators believe a 16-year-old woman was wearing headphones and texting when she was struck and killed by an incoming train on Sunday afternoon.

Tiffany Williams was walking alone on the railroad tracks near 203 Street and Hammond Road when she did not hear an approaching train. RCMP, fire crews and paramedics were called in to respond to the incident just before 1 p.m., but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Tiffany was walking along the railroad tracks and it appears she did not realize there was an approaching train,” said RCMP Corporal Alanna Dunlop in a statement. “Despite all the efforts to catch the teen’s attention and stop the train, it struck and killed the girl.”

Rail tracks are considered private property and extra caution should be exercised whenever individuals and vehicles are around tracks or trains.

A crowdfunding campaign has been set-up to assist Williams’ family with the financial costs of her burial. A trust fund has also been established at Vancity Branch 29, acct 195800.

The coroner has taken charge of the ongoing investigation and will be assisted by Ridge Meadows RCMP and CP Police. Williams’ funeral is scheduled for this Saturday.

Feature Image: Submitted