So Sad

A mother was killed and her son injured while hiking along railroad tracks near Soda Springs, California.

Upon arrival, deputies and paramedics found two victims on the north side of the tracks. Sydney Parks, 59, of Petaluma, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her 22-year-old son, Alan Young, of Davis, was severely injured and transported to Truckee Forest Hospital, authorities said.

Parks and Young were hiking on what they believed was a trail when a Union Pacific Railroad train approached, police said.

The train sounded its whistle and initiated an emergency stop. With the whiteout conditions and poor visibility, the victims mistakenly moved into the train's path in an attempt to get out of the way, Kropp added.

My condolences to their friends and family.