Goleta Man Killed by Train

Murtaza Kassim Ali of Goleta was hit and killed by a train near Refugio Beach on Sunday, July 26, shortly after 6 pm. According to the Sheriff’s Department report, Ali was hit when he got out of his car, near Highway 101, to inspect a potential campsite just south of Refugio State Beach. Though the approaching Amtrak train blew its warning horn, Ali apparently did not notice it. The train applied its brakes but was unable to stop in time, striking Ali, who was thrown several yards as a result. Emergency medical personnel were called but Ali died before they arrived. The Coroner’s Bureau will be conducting toxicology tests, which will produce results in several weeks.

On July 20, a woman was clipped by a train while standing near the tracks south of Mariposa on the Gaviota Coast, sustaining major injuries.