Skip to Main Content
Railroad News

Young California Teen Killed by Union Pacific Train

By Pottroff & Karlin LLC |

(Farad, California — April 19, 2015)

A 13-year-old Sun Valley, CA boy died at about 5:15 P.M. Sunday afternoon when he was struck by an eastbound Union Pacific train as he and his family crossed a railroad bridge to have a better look at the scenic Truckee River along I-80 as it intersects with Farad Road near Farad, CA.

Anthony William Schafer was with his family as they tried to use a double-tracked bridge to get closer to the river and was hit by one of the 18 trains, including Amtrak passenger operations, that roll through the Interstate Highway/unfenced railroad corridor on an average day at top speeds of 50 mph. Because there was no public crossing involved, the train would probably not have been honking its horn in advance of the bridge on the frequently curving tracks.

Nevada (CA) County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Keith Royal said deputies and California Highway Patrol troopers were dispatched to the location, near the California/Nevada state line, where they found the young victim and pronounced him dead from his injuries. News media, among them KOLO-TV, ABC Channel 8 in Reno, NV, reported that, according to a UPRR spokesman, “the company (UPRR) received reports prior to the incident that some individuals were seen playing on the bridge earlier,” but there was no assurance that the two incidents were related. KRNV-TV in Reno, NV, spoke with UPRR Public Information Officer Francisco Castillo who said the train struck the juvenile as he was crossing the bridge and tracks.

UP Special Agents and Risk Managers were at the scene of the tragedy to investigate and the railroad tracks were closed until 9:00 P.M., according to KOLO-TV.


sb-news-bg

Railroad News



Testimonials

Train crash cases are unique and complex with many different potential pitfalls, such as federal preemption. Anytime I get hired or even get a call from a train crash victim, my very first call is to Nathan’s firm. Nathan’s knowledge and experience in handling and trying cases against these litigation savvy railroad companies gives me the confidence to know that the clients and cases I refer to him are getting the best of the best.

James Perrin Lubbock, Texas

I have had the opportunity to work as co-counsel with Nathan on several railroad crossing accidents cases. In each case, Nathan always possessed an incredible knowledge of the law and the facts, possessed a great talent for aggressive - strategic legal planning and trial tactics while, at the same time, displaying great skill as an effective negotiator. I would recommend him to anyone without hesitation.

Scott McCluen Harriman, Tennessee

Nathan Karlin has my strongest endorsement in the field of railroad crossing cases and personal injury law. I had the pleasure of working with Nathan in a complex railroad personal injury case. I was impressed by Nathan’s knowledge, his work ethic, and his dedication to the client. I look forward to working with Nathan on future injury matters. I am also aware firsthand that he has obtained excellent trial and settlement results in numerous cases involving members of the public harmed by railroad companies.

Joseph M. Miller Mandeville, Louisiana

Nathan is a warrior fighting the railroads. As a fellow personal injury lawyer, I have constantly been impressed with his depth of knowledge and his capabilities from case to case. I’d take him into battle with me any day against the biggest railroads and insurance companies on the planet.

Jon C. Clark Austin, Texas

Bob Pottroff has fought for the victims of the railroads’ callous disregard for safety more than any other attorney that I know. I should know because I am currently Chair-elect of the Railroad Section of ATLA.

Robert Schuetze Boulder, Colorado

Mr. Pottroff has shaken the rail industry to its very roots. Settlements are now more common as a result of the way he has exposed the industry’s wrongdoing.

Mike Easley Arkansas

Bob Pottroff’s work in railroad safety law is unmatched and he has been the source of great advice and phenomenal creativity.

Roger Brown Jefferson City, Missouri

In addition to his substantive contributions to railroad grade crossing safety, I have personally observed his untiring efforts and contributions to improving the integrity of the legal system.

Elizabeth Hardy Lake Charles, Louisiana

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
Testimonials