Pedestrian Fatally Struck By Train At Queen Ave Crossing - 10/30/25
On Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at approximately 4:16 p.m., the Albany Police Department received multiple emergency calls reporting that a male pedestrian had been struck by a train near the Queen Avenue railroad crossing.
Albany Police officers, along with personnel from the Albany Fire Department and the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, responded to the scene and discovered that an adult male had been struck by a southbound Amtrak passenger train. The male was pronounced deceased at the scene.
According to witness statements, the man and his dog had gone under the lowered crossing arms and around a freight train that was stopped on the adjacent track. A southbound Amtrak train traveling on a separate track then struck the pedestrian as he attempted to cross. The dog did not appear to be injured and was released to a friend at the scene.
The deceased has been identified as 28-year-old Joseph VanZandt of Albany. Next of kin have been notified, and Mr. VanZandt was transported to a local funeral home.
The Albany Police Department reminds all community members to obey railroad crossing signals and to never attempt to cross around lowered gates or stopped trains. Train movement can occur on adjacent tracks without warning, and safety devices are in place to prevent tragedies like this.
The department extends its condolences to the family and friends of Mr. VanZandt.
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