Jacksonville Woman Killed After Train Collision at Roosevelt Boulevard Railroad Crossing

A 42-year-old Jacksonville woman was killed Wednesday evening after her vehicle was struck by an Amtrak passenger train at a railroad crossing on Jacksonville’s Westside, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The fatal collision remains under investigation.

What We Know About the Crash

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash occurred shortly before 7:30 p.m. on July 22, 2026, at the railroad crossing near Roosevelt Boulevard (U.S. 17) and Timuquana Road.

Preliminary investigators reported that:

• The woman was driving south on Roosevelt Boulevard.
• She turned right onto Timuquana Road.
• Troopers believe she drove around the activated railroad crossing gates.
• An Amtrak passenger train traveling north struck her vehicle.

The 42-year-old Jacksonville woman, who was wearing a seat belt, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities have not publicly released her identity pending notification of next of kin.

Video from the scene showed the vehicle heavily damaged beneath the front of the Amtrak train.

Witness Describes Efforts to Save Driver

One witness, Misty Bouey, told reporters she immediately ran toward the wreckage in an attempt to help the driver.

According to Bouey, she broke windows, attempted to free the woman from her seat belt, and remained with her while emergency responders were on the way.

Bouey said she also noticed repeated calls coming through the victim’s Apple Watch but was unable to answer them because she could not safely reach the device.

Her account reflects the emotional impact that traumatic crashes can have not only on victims and their families but also on witnesses and first responders.

Amtrak Passengers and Crew Uninjured

Amtrak confirmed that none of the approximately 385 passengers or crew members aboard the train were injured during the collision.

The railroad stated it is cooperating with law enforcement as the investigation continues.

In a statement following the crash, Amtrak emphasized the importance of obeying railroad crossing signals and noted that preventing railroad-related fatalities remains a top safety priority.

According to the Federal Railroad Administration, highway-rail grade crossing collisions remain one of the leading causes of rail-related fatalities in the United States.

Investigation Remains Ongoing

The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the fatal collision.

Although investigators have released preliminary information regarding the events leading up to the crash, the investigation has not yet been completed.

As part of the investigation, troopers may examine:

• Railroad crossing signal operation.
• Crossing gate functionality.
• Train event recorder data.
• Locomotive camera footage.
• Vehicle Event Data Recorder (“black box”) information.
• Witness statements.
• Surveillance and traffic camera footage.
• Physical evidence collected at the scene.

A complete investigation will help determine the sequence of events and confirm all contributing factors.

Railroad Crossing Collisions Are Often Catastrophic

Collisions between passenger vehicles and trains frequently result in severe or fatal injuries because trains require significant distances to stop and cannot quickly avoid obstacles on the tracks.

Investigators commonly evaluate factors such as:

• Whether crossing signals were operating properly.
• Visibility at the crossing.
• Driver actions.
• Roadway conditions.
• Mechanical issues.
• Environmental conditions.

Each incident requires a thorough investigation before legal responsibility can be fully determined.

Potential Legal Options Following a Fatal Railroad Crossing Collision

A preliminary crash report does not determine civil liability.

While the Florida Highway Patrol’s initial findings indicate the vehicle drove around the crossing arms, investigators must still complete a comprehensive review of all available evidence.

Depending on the facts ultimately established, potentially responsible parties could include:

• A negligent driver.
• A railroad company if operational negligence contributed to the incident.
• Contractors responsible for maintaining crossing equipment.
• Governmental entities responsible for roadway or crossing maintenance, where permitted under Florida law.
• Other parties whose negligence contributed to the collision.

If negligence is found to have caused or contributed to the fatal crash, eligible surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act (Florida Statutes §§768.16–768.26).

A successful wrongful death claim may allow qualifying survivors to recover compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses.
• Medical expenses incurred before death.
• Loss of financial support and future earnings.
• Loss of companionship, guidance, and protection.
• Mental pain and suffering for qualifying survivors.
• Other damages available under Florida law.

Every case is unique, and liability depends on the facts established during the investigation.

Preserving Evidence Is Critical

Evidence collected immediately following a railroad crossing collision can be essential to understanding exactly what occurred.

Important evidence may include:

• Train event recorder data.
• Forward-facing locomotive camera footage.
• Railroad crossing signal records.
• Vehicle Event Data Recorder (“black box”) information.
• Surveillance camera recordings.
• Witness statements.
• Police reports.
• Accident reconstruction findings.

Prompt preservation of this evidence can help investigators accurately reconstruct the collision and identify all contributing factors.

Investigation Continues

The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the fatal train collision at Roosevelt Boulevard and Timuquana Road.

Additional information regarding the victim’s identity and the final findings of the investigation may be released as authorities complete their review.

Fatal railroad collisions are heartbreaking tragedies that leave families, witnesses, train crews, and entire communities grieving. We extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of the Jacksonville woman who lost her life and hope the ongoing investigation provides answers about the circumstances surrounding this devastating incident.