The Simi Valley community is reeling tonight after a devastating weekend collision claimed the life of a 13-year-old middle school student.
The fatal accident occurred on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at approximately 6:25 p.m. near the intersection of Sequoia Avenue and East Los Angeles Avenue. According to the Simi Valley Police Department, the teenager was traveling southbound on the east sidewalk of Sequoia Avenue on an electric bicycle (e-bike) when he entered the railroad crossing.
Preliminary findings from investigators indicate that the boy failed to stop in time as an Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train approached the crossing. Despite a massive emergency response from Simi Valley Police and the Ventura County Fire Department, the young rider succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
While the victim’s name has not been officially released out of respect for his family, officials confirmed he was a resident of Simi Valley and a student within the Simi Valley Unified School District.
"This is a heartbreaking loss for the Simi Valley community, and our thoughts are with the family, friends, and classmates affected by this tragedy," the Simi Valley Police Department said in a statement.
Local school officials are expected to provide counseling services for students and staff as they return to classes following the weekend.
The tragedy has reignited a heated local debate over the safety of motorized and electric bikes, particularly among younger riders.
This marks the fourth bicycling-related fatality in Ventura County in 2026 a grim statistic that safety advocates say underscores the need for better education and stricter regulations.
Safety experts noted that the boy was riding on the sidewalk, a factor that can sometimes complicate a rider's ability to see or respond to crossing gates intended primarily for street traffic.
The Simi Valley Police Traffic Bureau is continuing its investigation into the crash.