Maintenance of Way Utah rail maintenance worker dies after being struck by vehicle

Utah rail maintenance worker dies after being struck by vehicle

By Trains Staff | May 4, 2025

| Last updated on August 1, 2025


Employee was one of two hit while working on April 24

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SALT LAKE CITY — A maintenance-of-way worker for the Utah Transit Authority has died from injuries suffered on April 24 when he was struck by a vehicle while working at a grade crossing.

The UTA said in a statement today (May 4, 2025) that it was “deeply saddened to share the loss of our colleague, Juan Madrid, a dedicated and beloved rail maintenance worker.” The agency said is providing counseling and benefits for Madrid’s family, as well as offering counseling to employees.

KTVX-TV reports Madrid was one of two workers hit while working in Murray, Utah. A group of four employees was working about 1:30 a.m. when an SUV struck the two workers; a suspect fled the scene on foot but later turned himself into police. Brandon Palma, 29, faces felony charges of failure to remain at an accident involving a serious injury. The UTA says the second worker, who was also seriously injured, is recovering at home.

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