Family Sues Redlands, Metrolink Over Fatal Train Crash [Redlands, CA]

REDLANDS, CA (March 21, 2024) —

A tragic incident that claimed the lives of a mother and daughter in a Metrolink train crash in April last year has now resulted in a legal battle, as the grieving family takes action against the city of Redlands and the commuter rail service.

Heather Woolard and her 11-year-old daughter, Presley Chiakowsky, lost their lives in the devastating crash near the Metrolink Arrow Line crossing at Alabama Street nearly a year ago, leaving a profound impact on the community.

As the family grapples with the loss, they have filed a lawsuit alleging that Metrolink and Redlands bear responsibility for the dangerous conditions at the crossing, which they claim was inadequately designed just months before the fatal incident.

According to the family’s legal counsel, the Redlands Metrolink train crash lawsuit is driven by a commitment to public safety and aims to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. Revelations have also surfaced regarding a reported safety concern at the crossing raised by a deputy chief at the Redlands Police Department following the collision, adding complexity to the case.

While Metrolink has made adjustments to warning lights at the crossings since the incident, they had said that they will, for now, refrain from commenting on the ongoing litigation.