UPDATE FROM FLAGSTAFF POLICE:
“Flagstaff, Arizona — On August 9, 2026, at approximately 2:18 a.m., officers with the Flagstaff Police Department responded to a report of a pedestrian who had been struck by a train near the intersection of S San Francisco St and the railroad tracks.
Upon arrival, officers located 21-year-old Peoria resident Jason Cataldo, who was pronounced deceased at the scene. Mr. Cataldo sustained injuries consistent with a collision involving a pedestrian and a train.
Based on witness statements and the preliminary investigation, Mr. Cataldo was laying on the tracks.
The train involved in the incident was traveling eastbound on the northernmost set of railroad tracks.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
For additional information, please contact the Flagstaff Police Department at 928-774-1414.
The Flagstaff Police Department reminds the public that it is both unlawful and extremely dangerous to enter or walk on railroad tracks except at designated crossings. Always obey crossing gates, warning lights, and audible signals, and cross only when it is safe to do so.”
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — A pedestrian was killed after being struck by a BNSF Railway train early Sunday morning near downtown Flagstaff.
At approximately 2:20 a.m. Sunday, Flagstaff Police, Northern Arizona University Police and emergency medical personnel were dispatched to the area of Verde Street and East Route 66 for a report of a pedestrian struck by an eastbound BNSF train.
According to initial reports from callers, the person had been seen lying on the railroad tracks just moments before the train struck them.
Emergency personnel located the victim at approximately 2:25 a.m. The person was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Train traffic through the area was stopped while authorities conducted their investigation. As of approximately 8 a.m. Sunday, train traffic through Flagstaff had resumed.
The identity of the victim has not been released, and it remains unclear why the person was on the railroad tracks.
FlagScanner is awaiting an official statement from the Flagstaff Police Department and will provide additional information as it becomes available.
