Pedestrian struck by train near Parkway Lane
February 26, 2026 | Billings, MT
Authorities in Yellowstone County have shared more details on a tragic train-pedestrian incident that resulted in the death of 53-year-old Christopher Tenderholt from Billings.
Christopher Tenderholt, 53, died after being struck by a train near Laurel Road and Parkway Lane in Billings.
What Happened in the Crash?
The collision occurred around 3 p.m. near the intersection of Laurel Road and Parkway Lane. Tenderholt sustained fatal blunt force trauma injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
- Victim: Christopher Tenderholt, 53, Billings resident
- Location: Near Laurel Road and Parkway Lane, Billings, Mont.
- Time: Approximately 3 p.m.
- Date: Feb. 26
- Investigating Agency: Billings Police Department and Yellowstone County Coroner
A GoFundMe page has been established to assist Tenderholt's family with expenses.
Why Do Train-Pedestrian Accidents Happen?
Train-related incidents can stem from various factors, such as errors by train personnel, track malfunctions, mechanical issues, signal failures, or unsafe pedestrian areas. Investigators are reviewing whether the site near Laurel Road was adequately protected for crossings.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), about 1,000 individuals lose their lives annually in train accidents nationwide.
Common Causes of Train Accidents |
Description |
Source |
|---|
Personnel Error |
Mistakes by train operators or staff |
NTSB |
Track Failure |
Structural issues with rails or switches |
NTSB |
Mechanical Malfunction |
Failures in train equipment |
NTSB |
Signalman Error |
Incorrect signaling leading to collisions |
NTSB |
Reckless Actions |
Pedestrian or driver disregard for safety |
NTSB |
Unsafe Crossings |
Lack of barriers or warnings in pedestrian areas |
Federal Railroad Administration |
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, conducting an independent investigation promptly is crucial to gathering evidence for affected families. National analysts emphasize the need for thorough examinations.
“A skilled attorney can shield a grieving family from influential train operators, who deploy their own teams to sites and leverage extensive resources to protect negligent parties,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal and national analyst for Newsline.
- Preserve crash site evidence immediately to support potential claims.
- Independent reviews counterbalance corporate investigations.
- Families deserve protection against powerful entities in accident aftermaths.
Pending investigation outcomes, Tenderholt's relatives may pursue a wrongful death claim, seeking compensation for loss of companionship, emotional distress, and suffering.
“The grief following a loved one's sudden loss in such tragedies can be immense,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “Guiding families through this ensures their rights remain safeguarded amid official investigations.”
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one needs help, she offers free consultations.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).