Pedestrian killed by Coaster train

By City News Service

Authorities released the name Sept. 8 of a 49-year-old man who was fatally struck over the weekend by a passenger train near Torrey Pines State Beach.

Michael North of Del Mar was walking between the rails south of the intersection of Carmel Valley Road and North Torrey Pines Road when the northbound Amtrak locomotive approached from behind shortly before 11:30 a.m. Sept. 7, according to sheriff’s officials and the county Medical Examiner’s Office.

“The train operator activated its horn and emergency braking system but was unable to stop before striking the victim,” Deputy Dawn Morabe said.

North died at the scene.

The train conductor told investigators North had been walking with two companions who safely moved out of the way.

Rail service in the area was delayed about two hours, according to transit officials.