Christopher Duthridge Obituary, Death Cause – Authorities have released the identity of a man who lost his life after being struck by a Metrolink train at the downtown Burbank station on Friday night. According to officials, the collision occurred around 10 p.m. on the tracks near the pedestrian crossing at the downtown Burbank Metrolink Station, located at 201 North Front Street between Magnolia Boulevard and Olive Avenue. Metrolink spokesperson Laurene Lopez confirmed that the train involved was Route 232, which was traveling from Lancaster toward Los Angeles at the time of the incident.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner identified the individual as 47-year-old Christopher Duthridge. Emergency personnel responded to the scene, but Duthridge was pronounced deceased at the location.
Police said an investigation into the incident involved interviews with witnesses and a review of surveillance footage from the area. Based on that evidence, investigators determined that Duthridge had positioned himself on the train tracks as the northbound train approached. Authorities noted that the conductor made efforts to stop the train, but it was unable to come to a complete halt in time to prevent the collision.
The conductor, who remained on the scene and cooperated fully with investigators, was found not to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Officers said that neither impairment nor any mechanical issue appeared to have contributed to the incident.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner later confirmed that Duthridge’s passing was caused by multiple blunt-force injuries. His death has been classified as an accident.
Following the collision, Metrolink officials temporarily closed the tracks between the Glendale and Burbank North stations while police and investigators conducted their work. This caused service disruptions for several evening routes. Two of the final trains scheduled for the night were canceled, while another was rerouted to end its route at the Burbank Airport station instead of continuing to Los Angeles.
Metrolink spokesperson Lopez said there were no reports of injuries among passengers or train crew members on board. She added that safety is a primary concern for the agency and that such incidents are always taken seriously, prompting detailed investigations and safety reviews.
The Burbank Police Department released a statement expressing condolences to the family and friends of Duthridge and encouraging anyone who may have witnessed the event or has additional information to come forward. They can contact investigators directly at 818-238-3210.
Authorities also reminded the public about the dangers of being on or near active train tracks. They emphasized that pedestrian crossings should only be used when signals indicate it is safe, and that trains, due to their weight and speed, often cannot stop quickly even in emergency situations.
The incident caused a brief suspension of train movement in the area while the scene was secured and evidence was collected. After about two hours, normal service gradually resumed.
Residents in nearby neighborhoods reported hearing train horns and emergency sirens late Friday night as first responders and Metrolink personnel worked to clear the area.
This tragedy marks another reminder of the importance of rail safety and public awareness around train crossings and pedestrian pathways. Metrolink, along with local law enforcement, continues to review safety measures at stations across Southern California to help prevent future accidents.
Authorities say the investigation is officially ongoing but that preliminary findings suggest no criminal activity or external factors beyond what has already been reported. Anyone with footage or firsthand accounts is encouraged to share information with the Burbank Police Department to assist in the final stages of the inquiry.
