Amtrak train struck Glendale man while walking along the tracks in Glendale
April 13, 2026 | Glendale, CA
Zaven Abramyan, a 68-year-old Glendale resident, lost his life after being struck by an Amtrak train while walking along the tracks in the area of Grandview Avenue and San Fernando Road.
Zaven Abramyan, 68, died after he was struck by an Amtrak train near Grandview Avenue and San Fernando Road in Glendale.
- Date and Time: Monday, April 13, around noon
- Location: Grandview Avenue and San Fernando Road, Glendale, CA
- Victim: Zaven Abramyan, 68, pronounced dead at the scene
- Vehicle Involved: Amtrak train
- Injuries: No reported injuries to train crew or passengers
- Investigation Status: Ongoing by authorities, cause and manner of death undetermined by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner
What Happened in the Incident?
Authorities reported that Abramyan was walking along the tracks when the Amtrak train struck him. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner identified him. The reason for his presence on the tracks is not yet known, and the incident is under active investigation.
Why Do Train-Pedestrian Accidents Occur?
Train-related incidents often involve multiple contributing factors. According to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), these accidents can result from human error, track issues, mechanical failures, signal problems, or unauthorized access to rail property.
Factor |
Description |
Annual Impact (FRA Data) |
|---|
Human Error |
Mistakes by pedestrians or crew |
Contributes to ~40% of incidents |
Track Defects |
Issues with rail infrastructure |
Leads to structural failures |
Mechanical Failures |
Equipment malfunctions on trains |
Affects train operations |
Signal/Communication Issues |
Problems with warning systems |
Delays emergency responses |
Unauthorized Access |
Trespassing on tracks |
Primary cause in pedestrian cases |
Source: Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) safety data, which reports approximately 950 fatalities and over 6,500 injuries from railroad incidents annually in the U.S., including pedestrians and trespassers.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts emphasize the complexity of train accidents and the need for thorough investigations.
“Train crashes are often complex, and many factors can play a role in these types of accidents,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal. “In cases such as this, a skilled attorney can protect families from rail companies, which deploy their own investigators and resources to defend against negligence claims. Your lawyer will hire witnesses, locate crash witnesses, review insurance coverage, and guide you through the legal process while protecting your interests.”
- Key Takeaways:
- Independent legal reviews are crucial to counter corporate defenses.
- Families may pursue claims for loss of companionship, pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
- Attorneys help ensure rights are protected amid ongoing investigations.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “We understand what families endure, and safeguarding their rights is essential. A wrongful death lawyer will monitor the investigation and advocate for their best interests.”
Pending investigation results, Abramyan's family may be eligible for a wrongful death claim to seek damages related to the tragedy.
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(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).