One year ago today a 16-year-old pedestrian was struck and killed by a train while listening to music and texting on her cellphone.
Police said Tiffany Williams was walking alone along railroad tracks near 203 Street and Hammond Road and did not realize a train was approaching.
On Monday night, family and friends gathered in Maple Ridge to remember Williams and to send an important message about the devastating consequences that can occur when pedestrians are distracted.
Sadly, Williams’s case isn’t unique. Two years ago, a 42-year-old White Rock woman was struck and killed by a train while listening to music.
According to the US National Safety Council, 3,154 distracted walkers in the U.S. were killed in 2013 and another 424,000 were injured.
On the anniversary of her daughter’s death, Miranda Phillips is urging pedestrians to be more cautious so that more people don’t lose their loved ones.
“Pay attention,” said Phillips. “You can lose your life in a minute.”
-With files from Catherine Urquhart
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