Train-Car Crash Victim Identified
- Share via
SOMIS — Authorities have identified a man killed Friday after a Metrolink train struck his car and threw it about 200 feet down an embankment and into a field near Somis.
Joel L. Dekam, 28, of Ventura died instantly after the 70-ton passenger train struck his Ford Taurus while he was trying to cross a private railroad crossing about 5:45 p.m. half a mile east of Somis Road, authorities said.
A spokesman for the Ventura County coroner’s office said Dekam was ejected from the vehicle and died of severe head, chest and abdominal injuries. No one on the train was injured.
According to police, Dekam was trying to cross the tracks when the train, traveling about 60 mph, slammed into the driver’s side of the car.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
