Branford has been saddened by news reports of the death of a young woman, identified as 22 year-old Alexandra Trippodo, after she was struck in Branford by an Amtrak Acela train sometime after 1 p.m. on Feb. 13.

Branford police assisted Amtrak police with the investigation following the incident, which was classified as trespassing on Amtrak property, according to media reports. Branford Police Deputy Chief John Alves responded to The Sound via email, confirming that while both Branford Police and Fire Departments immediately respond to emergencies of this nature, Amtrak police are the primary investigators of the incident.

"Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends, colleagues and students of  Ms. Trippodo," Alves also stated.

Trippodo was an employee of Branford Public Schools as a special education paraprofessional at Walsh Intermediate School. Superintendent of Schools Hamlet Hernandez spoke with family members and shared a message with district staff, he said.

"It's profoundly sad. We've expressed our deepest condolences and we've offered support as much as we possibly can," said Hernandez.

Tributes to Trippodo and condolences to her family have been appearing on social media.

Zip06/The Sound has contacted First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove for comments, and Amtrak media for additional incident updates. Updates will be posted with this story.

For more information on railroad safety, visit Amtrak’s Operation Lifesaver website at oli.org.