Driver Killed by Train in Apparent Suicide

A 22-year-old woman died Sunday morning in an apparent suicide attempt when her car was struck by a train at a Placentia railroad crossing, police said.

Orange County coroner’s officials said late Sunday that they believe that the woman intentionally drove her car into the train’s path moments before the wreck at 10:35 a.m. Coroner’s officials said witnesses reported that the woman backed her car onto the railroad tracks as the train was approaching.

The coroner’s office identified the woman as Lisa Marie Hall of Big Bear. Police said the woman died instantly.

There were no reports of injuries to the train crew members.

Placentia Police Sgt. Ward Smith said Hall was driving north on Jefferson Street when her car was struck by the Santa Fe freight train, which was eastbound along the tracks south of Orangethorpe Avenue.

Ward said the warning devices at the track were functioning when the car entered the crossing.