First Amtrak Derailment Victim Identified

Pierce Transit on Tuesday confirmed that one of its employees was killed in Monday’s Amtrak derailment 50 miles south of Seattle. “It’s heartbreaking to hear that @PierceTransit employee and rail aficionado Zack Willhoite did not survive the derailment,” Pierce Transit chairman Chris Karnes said in a tweeted statement. “He helped our advisory committee with IT issues, and behind the scenes he was a writer and advocate for better transit for all. He will be missed.” At least three people were killed when the southbound train derailed, pulling 13 of its cars off the track, with some collapsing onto Interstate 5 below.