Federal Way woman dies in collision with freight train in Auburn

A woman was killed when her car collided with a freight train in Auburn on Sunday night (Oct. 4).

On Tuesday, the King County Medical Examiner identifed the woman as Judy Gacuno, 51, of Federal Way.

The collision occured about 11 p.m. Oct. 4 near the intersection of West Main and H streets, according to the Valley Regional Fire Authority.

According to Cmdr. Mike Hirman of the Auburn Police Department, Gacuno was westbound in her Hyundai Accent when she stopped at the railroad crossing as the front of the northbound freight train passed by her.

“Not certain (what happened), but the train engineer said the crossing arm was on her windshield, and her driver’s door was open when the engine passed the crossing,” Hirman said. “We don’t know if she panicked or somehow lurched forward into the train.”

When medics arrived, Gacuno was already dead.