A second person within a week has died near the Goleta Train Station. Wednesday around noon, Ester Lopez de Reyes, 65, of Goleta stepped in front of the northbound Amtrak as it slowed toward the platform and was killed, Lt. Kevin Huddle of the Sheriff’s Office reported. The Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the incident.
Previously, on July 20, Edmund Alexander Backus was killed by the northbound Pacific Surfliner while riding his bicycle near the bridge over San Pedro Creek with his back to the train.
Help is available if you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health issues. A few resources to call are: CARES/ACCESS Mobile Crisis Team (888) 868-1649, the SAFTY mobile crisis team for youth (888) 334-2777, National Lifeline (800) 273-TALK (8255), a textline — text BEGIN to 741741, and the Santa Barbara Response Network (805) 699-5608, which also offeres support after traumatic events.