UTA rail maintenance worker dies after being struck by vehicle
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — A Utah Transit Authority rail maintenance worker has passed away after being struck by a vehicle while working in Murray late April.
'We are deeply saddened to share the loss of our colleague, Juan Madrid, a dedicated and beloved rail maintenance worker,' a statement from the Utah Transit Authority reads. 'Juan passed away from injuries after being struck by a motor vehicle while he was performing work in a rail crossing on April 24.'
UTA said they are providing counseling and benefits for the Madrid family, as well as offering counseling services to employees.
PREVIOUSLY: Hit-and-run suspect in custody after hitting two UTA workers in Murray
'The safety and well-being of UTA employees and their families is our highest priority. We are actively assisting the Murray Police Department as they conduct a thorough investigation into this incident. A second rail maintenance worker who was also seriously injured in the incident is thankfully at home recovering.'
Murray Police confirmed a suspect turned themselves in after allegedly hitting the two Utah Transit Authority employees working near a FrontRunner railroad crossing on April 24.
UTA spokesperson Gavin Gustafson told ABC4.com a group of four employees were doing maintenance work around 1:30 a.m. near 5900 South and 300 West in Murray. As they were finishing their work, a white SUV traveling eastbound struck two of the employees.
Gustafson said one employee was left in serious condition and the other was rushed into surgery in critical condition.
Murray Police said the suspect — identified as Brandon Palma, 29 — initially fled the scene on foot, but later turned himself in to police. He now faces felony charges of failure to remain at an accident involving a serious injury.
In a statement provided to ABC4.com, Gavin Gustafson, a spokesperson for UTA, reminded drivers to slow down in work zones and eliminate distractions that could pull attention away from the road.
Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
MJ Jewkes contributed to this report.
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