Update: Pedestrian killed by Union Pacific freight train in south Modesto identified
A man was struck and killed by a Union Pacific freight train late Thursday morning in south Modesto, authorities said.
The Stanislaus County Coroner’s Office identified the man as Brandon Pierce, 51, a transient from Ceres. Officials are still trying to locate Pierce’s family and are asking the public for help. Anyone with information is asked to call the Coroner’s Office at 209-567-4480.
The collision happened around 11:30 a.m. near the south end of the railroad bridge off River Road, according to Union Pacific spokesperson Robynn Tysver.
She said the train crew was not injured and support is being offered to employees who were operating it at the time. The tracks reopened to rail traffic about 2:30 p.m.
The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the fatality and said the Union Pacific Railroad Police are handling the investigation.
The Modesto Police Department and the California Highway Patrol were the first agencies on scene but determined the incident was outside their jurisdiction.
This story was originally published August 21, 2025 at 4:11 PM.
