By Jim Shilander
A San Clemente man was killed by an Amtrak train on the afternoon of Christmas Eve.
Dan Tavarez, 59, was struck and killed by the southbound Pacific Surfliner at approximately 4:20 p.m. Sheriff’s officials indicated that Tavarez had been walking along the tracks near the junction of Camino Capistrano and the Pacific Coast Highway when he was struck. The case is still being investigated.
Chief of Police Services John Coppock indicated that it would likely be difficult to determine why the collision took place. He encouraged residents to take lessons from the incident however, suggesting that people only cross the tracks at designated areas, rather than just anywhere.
“The trains come up so fast people don’t hear or see them, Coppock said. “At the designated areas there are the arms and signals that let you know what’s coming up.”
This should be avoided so it will never happen again. This man was my older brother and life was taken so quickly . I feel all who care about human life should stand up and do something about this so it doesn’t happen to someone else. I will not sit and read another news message on Goggle that someone was hit by a train because they were not warned it was coming.Please help, my big brother wouldn’t stand for it either! God Bless a loving brother
We can’t fence the world from danger. There was an underpass and signs. Dan just thought he could make it. That spot is on a curve and it is amazing how quite the train is and how hard it is to see coming from there. Maybe a few picture of what happens to those who do not heed the warning? Dan believed in self reliance. He was a Conservative and he wouldn’t want more regulations. I am his only sister and I feel your pain Evan. I do think that 8 people in 6 months in such a short stretch is way too many. But I’ve watched close calls, people just don’t think it will happen to them.
Dan was a good guy that I met at the Monarch Bay Motor club
Saturday mornings. I offer my sincere condolence to his family and other friends. You will be missed Dan. Rest easy brother.
Steve