Thelma Candelaria Hit and Killed by Train in Eloy, Arizona
Thelma Candelaria, a 47-year-old mother of eight, was struck and killed by a train at a railroad crossing in Eloy, Arizona, just after 6 a.m. on Thursday, October 15, according to KVOA. Candelaria had been reported missing by her family after failing to return home from her routine morning jog. Police and family members later confirmed that she was wearing noise-canceling headphones and did not realize a second train was approaching from behind as she watched an initial train pass.
Daughter Remembers Candelaria as an Amazing Light
Relatives and friends gathered to remember Candelaria following the fatal incident at the intersection of Sunshine Boulevard and Frontier Street. Her daughter, Alaisha, reported her mother missing to the Eloy Police Department after discovering she had not returned home to babysit as planned. “I’m at a loss for words, it’s just, I don’t think it’s fully processed,” Alaisha told KVOA. Alaisha described her mother as full of life and spirit, adding, “She was an amazing light, I just, she helped so many people, I hope her light continues to shine.”
Surveillance Footage Reveals Details of the Crossing Incident
Amber Sherban, a neighbor and close friend of Candelaria, reviewed surveillance footage that captured the events leading up to the collision. Sherban explained to KVOA that Candelaria frequently documented her runs for social media. “It wasn’t something intentional, we have video of the incident and video of her leading up to it, she liked to document her life,” Sherban said. According to the footage, Candelaria watched one train pass while wearing noise-canceling headphones, failing to notice a second train approaching from behind.
Eloy Police Seek Witnesses to Train Crash
Officers with the Eloy Police Department responded to the railroad crossing after receiving reports of a person matching Candelaria’s description being struck by a train. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Investigators have asked anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant information to contact the Eloy Police Department.
More on Thelma Candelaria
Family and friends are mourning the loss of Thelma Candelaria after she was tragically hit by a train in Eloy. @JakeLuthi11 learns more about the mother, who leaves behind seven children. https://t.co/tffhxkgiYW
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