Full Notification

ROHNERT PARK – The Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety has completed the investigation regarding this incident.  In cooperation with SMART as well as the Sonoma County Coroner’s Office, the investigation revealed the death of Joseph DeFrates was accidental.

After closely examining video from the train as well as speaking to family and more witnesses, it appears Joseph DeFrates was walking east on Golf Course Drive in the area of the train crossing.  The SMART train was travelling approximately 66 MPH, northbound on the tracks.  The train engineer saw DeFrates approaching the grade crossing and began sounding the train horn.  According to the Engineers account, DeFrates was looking down and did not make any movement to indicate he recognized his proximity to the tracks.  When the Engineer realized DeFrates was not going to stop, he applied the emergency brake of the train.  Unfortunately, based on where DeFrates was located, he was struck by the left front corner of the train.

Evidence discovered during the investigation suggests DeFrates did not recognize the train as a hazard until he was in the path of the train.

The Department of Public Safety sends condolences to Josephs family and friends.  We also send our regards to the engineer who was faced with an unavoidable circumstance.

Please remember, "Phone Down, Head Up"!