Nicholas K. Colandrea Obituary, Death: Man Hit by Train in Nanuet Has Been Identified
Nicholas K. Colandrea Obituary, Death – A tragic incident occurred in Nanuet, New York, on Wednesday afternoon when a man was fatally struck by a train near the Metro-North Railroad station. Authorities have since identified the victim as 32-year-old Nicholas K. Colandrea, a resident of Congers, New York. The announcement was made Thursday by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Police Department.
The fatal accident happened at around 2:55 p.m. on May 14, just west of the Nanuet station in Rockland County. According to MTA Deputy Communications Director Aaron Donovan, Colandrea was on the tracks when he was struck by a southbound New Jersey Transit train, number 1630. This train operates along Metro-North’s Pascack Valley Line and was in the process of arriving at the Nanuet station when the collision occurred.
Emergency medical personnel responded quickly to the scene, but Colandrea was pronounced dead shortly after the impact. The train was traveling at approximately 25 miles per hour at the time of the incident, a speed that MTA officials stated was appropriate for the specific location near the station.
The train was carrying six passengers and three crew members at the time of the crash. Fortunately, none of those aboard the train were injured. However, the event caused temporary service disruptions along the Pascack Valley Line, with train service suspended in the area during the investigation and response.
The MTA Police Department is leading the investigation into the fatal incident, although it remains in its early stages. At this point, based on available video footage and other evidence, officials have said there are no signs of foul play. The Clarkstown Police Department also responded to the incident to provide assistance and help secure the scene.
The sudden death of Nicholas Colandrea has left shock and sadness in the local community. Though officials have not released further personal details about Colandrea or his reasons for being on the tracks, they have made it clear that the investigation is ongoing. Investigators will continue reviewing video footage, speaking with witnesses, and examining other available evidence to determine the full circumstances surrounding the event.
Train-related fatalities are a rare but deeply troubling occurrence. Transit authorities consistently remind the public of the dangers associated with train tracks, stressing that individuals should never walk on or near them, regardless of whether a train is approaching. Tracks are not only high-risk areas, but also considered restricted zones, and being on them can result in both tragic outcomes and legal consequences.
Wednesday’s incident has also raised renewed awareness about safety protocols and the need for public vigilance near train stations and along rail corridors. Although the train was moving at a reduced speed appropriate for entering the station, the collision could not be avoided, underlining how quickly such tragedies can unfold even under controlled conditions.
In response to this type of event, transit authorities often provide support for train operators and crew members who may be emotionally affected. Incidents involving fatalities can have a lasting impact not only on the victim’s family and community but also on those operating the train and emergency responders at the scene.
For the passengers on board, while they were unharmed physically, the experience was likely distressing. Transit personnel ensured that all individuals on the train were safely transported after the incident and received any assistance needed.
The Pascack Valley Line, which services parts of New Jersey and New York, was temporarily shut down as authorities secured the site and began their investigation. Service on the line resumed later that day, though delays were reported as operations gradually returned to normal.
While investigators continue to work through the details, the MTA has emphasized the importance of safety awareness along railways and encourages anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant information to come forward. The involvement of local police departments, such as the Clarkstown Police, helps reinforce the seriousness of the investigation and ensures that multiple agencies are working together to understand what happened.
As the investigation moves forward, further updates may be released regarding the circumstances of Colandrea’s presence on the tracks. For now, the community mourns the loss of a young man whose life ended abruptly and tragically.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the critical importance of rail safety and the lasting consequences when safety zones are breached. The MTA and other agencies continue to advocate for increased public education on this topic, urging everyone to stay off train tracks and remain alert near rail infrastructure.
The investigation remains active, and officials will share more information as it becomes available.
