Modesto man identified after fatal collision with Union Pacific train
A Modesto man was identified Friday after he was struck and killed by a Union Pacific train earlier this week near Murphy Road and Salida Boulevard, authorities said.
The Stanislaus County Coroner’s Office identified the man as Anthony Harter, 39, of Modesto.
The collision was reported minutes before 5 a.m. Thursday, according to Union Pacific spokesperson Daryl Bjoraas.
Bjoraas previously told The Bee that Harter was trespassing on the railroad tracks when he was struck by the train. The incident did not occur at a railroad crossing.
Modesto Police Department officers responded alongside the Modesto Fire Department and Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office after a train conductor reported a possible collision involving a pedestrian near the tracks.
Responding personnel found Harter dead at the scene, according to police.
“The train crew was not injured and is being offered support after witnessing the incident,” Bjoraas said in an email Thursday.
Union Pacific Railroad Police are leading the investigation into the collision.
Union Pacific did not provide additional updates Friday afternoon.
This story was originally published May 8, 2026 at 3:31 PM with the headline "Modesto man identified after fatal collision with Union Pacific train."
