Pedestrian vs train incident in La Grande

EMERGENCY CREWS RESPOND TO A TRAIN-PEDESTRIAN INCIDENT NEAR PIONEER PARK

LA GRANDE- (Release from La Grande Police Department)

On December 2, 2025, at approximately 1:53 p.m., emergency personnel responded to the railroad tracks near Pioneer Park following a report of a train-versus-pedestrian incident.

Units from the La Grande Police Department, La Grande Fire Department, Oregon State Police, and Union Pacific Railroad (UPR) arrived on scene within moments of the initial call. Upon arrival, investigators determined that Malachi Knox, 27, of La Grande, had been lying on the railroad tracks prior to being struck by an eastbound train. According to investigators, the train engineer repeatedly sounded the air horn and initiated emergency stop procedures; however, Knox did not move from the track. It was later determined that alcohol was a contributing factor in his inability to get out of the train’s path.

Knox was struck by the breaking train and became trapped beneath the engine, sustaining severe injuries. Despite this, he remained conscious and communicative with medical personnel. LGFD crews, working closely with UPR staff, delivered critical lifesaving care while coordinated efforts were made to safely move the train.

Once the train was repositioned, Knox was rapidly extricated, stabilized, and transported by ambulance to Grande Ronde Hospital for further treatment.

We are grateful for the rapid response of all agencies involved and for the cooperation between emergency crews and Union Pacific Railroad. Their coordinated efforts played a vital role in saving Mr. Knox’s life

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Law enforcement is on the scene of a pedestrian (adult male) vs train incident on the west side of La Grande. According to the La Grande Police Department, this incident did not occur at a railroad crossing. No further details are being released at this time. Updates will be provided when available.

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Elkhorn Media Group