Train Crash at Central Avenue and Central Valley Highway
SHAFTER, CA, (August 30, 2025) - A 16-year-old from Shafter, Jonathan Enrique Medrano, was killed after being struck by an Amtrak train on Saturday afternoon. The incident is currently under investigation by the Shafter Police Department.
Jonathan Enrique Medrano, a 16-year-old boy, was killed after being hit by a train in Shafter on Saturday afternoon, authorities reported.
The fatal crash occurred shortly after 1 p.m. near the intersection of Central Avenue and Central Valley Highway. According to the Kern County Coroner's Office, Medrano was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have not yet released any additional details about the circumstances surrounding the accident.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Each year, train-related crashes claim hundreds of lives across the United States. Many of these fatalities result from poorly marked crossings, malfunctioning signals and inadequate fencing. Railroad deaths totaled 954 in 2024, a 1% decrease from the 2023 revised total of 967, the National Safety Council said in a report.
Candice Bond, an experienced train accident attorney, said that in cases such as this, it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted by a seasoned lawyer as soon as possible to preserve evidence for a victim's family.
“A skilled attorney can protect a grieving family from powerful train companies, which often send their investigators to crash sites and possess a variety of resources they can utilize to defend a negligent party,” said Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Based on the investigation, the family of Jonathan Enrique Medrano may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims can seek damages for loss of companionship, pain, suffering, and emotional distress after a catastrophic accident.
"The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident," said Bond, of counsel with Bond Legal.
"A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that the victim's legal rights and best interests are protected."
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).