On Oct. 21, 59‑year‑old Richie Geiger was struck by a train at the South Meridian Avenue railroad crossing in Puyallup, Washington, after his wheelchair appeared to stop moving. The incident, which resulted in Geiger’s death, has prompted city officials, law‑enforcement and the railroad to look closely at crossing safety.
Witnesses describe a sudden stall
Diane Drapac, a passerby, said she saw Geiger’s wheelchair “jerking forward” rather than rolling smoothly. She called her husband, Joe Drapac, who, along with another Good Samaritan, tried to push the chair out of the train’s path. “The heavy motorized vehicle wouldn’t budge,” Joe Drapac told KIRO‑7, adding that he managed to move the chair only three or four inches before the train arrived.
Police and video evidence
Puyallup police reviewed surveillance footage that showed the wheelchair starting and stopping intermittently. Capt. Jeremy Hedrick said the video does not indicate that the wheels were caught on the tracks. “Based on the video evidence, it does not appear that the wheels were stuck or hung up on any portion of the tracks,” he said in a statement, concluding the criminal investigation as a “tragic accident.”
Community concerns about train speed
Residents near the crossing voiced worries about the speed of both passenger and freight trains that pass through the area daily. “It is kind of scary with the speed that it flies by,” said local resident Paul Shutov. “They seem to go faster than they should, through town,” added Justin Peyton, noting the high volume of pedestrians crossing the tracks each day.
Proposed safety measures
Community members suggested several options, including reducing train speeds through town, installing flexible material to fill gaps when trains are not present, and constructing a pedestrian overpass. The Drapacs also recommended smoothing the crossing surface to prevent future stalls.
Railroad response
BNSF Railway, which operates the tracks, said it is working with the City of Puyallup on potential modifications. In a statement to KIRO‑7, the railroad said it is “currently awaiting completion of the city’s design” for any changes.
Next steps
The city’s public‑works department will review the suggestions and coordinate with BNSF to determine feasible safety upgrades. Officials emphasized that any improvements will aim to protect pedestrians while maintaining the essential rail service that supports regional commerce.
Authorities encourage residents to use designated crossing signals and remain vigilant when trains approach. The investigation remains closed, but the dialogue on how to make Puyallup’s rail crossings safer continues.
Original reporting: KIRO 7 (Tacoma / Pierce County stories) — read the source article.
