Pedestrian Killed by Light Rail Train
In July Tempe Police were still investigating the fatal collision that involved a pedestrian and a light rail train on Apache east of McClintock. On that Friday afternoon a police officer was flagged down near the Apache substation, he was told there appeared to be a body near the light rail tracks.
Officers arrived on scene and found a deceased man who had obvious impact injuries. The Police believe that the point of impact was at the Sycamore and Main in Mesa. The train was traveling west bound into Tempe. According to the authorities the light rail operator did not realize anything had happened.
The Westbound Apace was closed from Price to McClintock for the investigation. The Poilice had a lot of evidence to gather on and near the light rail track. At that time it was too early to tell whether the fatal collision was an accident or a suicide. The light rail service in both directions were suspended for hours that Friday afternoon, it had resumed by 6:30 p.m. that evening though.
Police identified the body as Wade L. Stokley who was just 28 years old. At first when the officers saw the body they say that they were unable to tell if it was a male or female due to the body being so mangled.
The Tempe Police say that they are hoping to find any witnesses that can shed some light on what happened. Mesa Police say that they will review the surveillance video. Mesa Police and Valley Metro are assisting in the open investigation.
Daniel A. Gibalevich
DAG Law Firm
