Bicyclist who died after being hit by FrontRunner train identified

SALT LAKE CITY — Officials have released the name of a bicyclist who died after he was hit by a FrontRunner train when trying to cross the tracks in Salt Lake City Thursday night.

He is Cameron Hooyer, 23, of Salt Lake City, according to a press release from Utah Transit Authority spokesman Carl Arky.

Hooyer was part of "999 Ride," a large group that meets regularly to ride on Thursday nights, Arky said.

The group of hundreds cycled down 900 South to the railroad crossing at 600 West. One Union Pacific train passed, and about a minute later — around 11:15 p.m. — a northbound FrontRunner train came by.

"Unfortunately some of the bicyclists decided to try to chance it and beat the train and get across the tracks. Most of them did. Unfortunately, a 23-year-old gentleman did not, and he is deceased," Arky said.

The FrontRunner train's horn sounded and the train was slowing as it approached the cyclists at the Salt Lake Central Station, but it was traveling about 45 mph and could not stop before it hit Hooyer, Arky said.

"It's always a tragic loss and we feel for his family, his next of kin, his friends. But we're also grateful that it wasn't worse. There could have been far more people injured or killed tonight," Arky said.

He said this is a reminder that if the train crossing lights are flashing, a train is approaching, whether the crossing arm is down or not. The crossing arms, lights, and bells were functioning at the time of the crash, Arky said.

FrontRunner trains were delayed Thursday night due to the accident. Minor residual delays are possible Friday morning as trains return to their normal schedules, UTA officials tweeted.

This article will be updated as more information becomes available.

Contributing: Caitlin Burchill, KSL TV

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