On Thursday morning, Eloy police confirmed that a 47‑year‑old mother, Thelma Candelaria, was killed when a train collided with her as she ran near the intersection of Sunshine Boulevard and Frontier Street. The tragedy unfolded while Candelaria was recording her run on social media, a habit she shared with friends and family.
Details of the incident
According to her daughter, Alaisha Candelaria, her mother was filming one train when a second train on an adjacent track approached from the opposite direction. The sound of the oncoming train was muffled by the earbuds Candelaria wore and the noise of the train she was already recording. The second train sounded its horn and applied its emergency brake, but it could not stop in time to avoid the collision.
Family response and community support
Alaisha provided video footage from her mother’s phone and surveillance cameras that show Thelma smiling and in good spirits moments before the accident. She refuted online speculation that the death was intentional, stating, “It’s a lot. It’s a lot.” She also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support, noting that people have long told her she is “so, so lucky to have the mother that you have.”
In the wake of the tragedy, Alaisha now faces the daunting task of arranging her mother’s funeral and caring for her seven younger siblings. The family has set up a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses and the immediate needs of the children.
Police investigation
The Eloy Police Department’s vehicular crimes unit is investigating the incident. Both trains involved were reported to have sounded their horns, and the train that struck Candelaria engaged its emergency brake, though it was unable to prevent the collision.
Community impact
The loss of a caregiver to eight children has resonated deeply within the Eloy community. Local churches, schools, and neighborhood groups have offered prayers, meals, and assistance to the Candelaria family. Residents are reminded of the importance of safety around railroad tracks, especially for joggers and cyclists who may be distracted by music or recording devices.
Safety reminders
Authorities advise anyone near railroad tracks to stay alert, avoid the use of earbuds that block ambient sounds, and never assume a train is out of sight or hearing range. Trains can approach quickly and may be harder to hear than expected, particularly when multiple tracks run side by side.
For those wishing to support the Candelaria family, the GoFundMe page can be accessed through the link provided in the original report. The community continues to rally around the family, offering both emotional and practical help during this difficult time.
Original reporting: azfamily KTVK/KPHO Phoenix (news) — read the source article.
