Family, Loved Ones Honor Man Killed in Claremont

Family members, loved ones and residents gathered June 4 in Claremont to honor Michael Patrick Rodriguez, who was killed early that morning by a Metrolink train.  

The 60-year-old was struck and killed about 6 a.m. near the tracks Indian Hill Boulevard and Santa Fe Street, authorities said.

Claremont Police officers quickly descended on the scene. They were still investigating as of late Tuesday, but suicide did not appear to be a cause early in the investigation, Lt. Mike Ciszek said.

“His family set up the memorial on northbound side of Indian Hill just south of the tracks,” wrote members of Keeping the GOOD in Our Neighborhood, who have also offered their emotional support to Rodriguez’ family and loved ones. “The extended family was at the memorial this evening as well as Michael’s wife and daughter.”  

Michael also worked for the Red Cross, KGNH wrote.

Officials said Rodriguez had been walking southbound on Indian Hill Boulevard on the west side of the street when a westbound Metrolink commuter train struck him.

Police will continue their investigation. This is not the first time a person has been killed by trains in the city, Ciszek said. There have been at least four others, he said.

- City News Service and Patch Staff