In the quiet town of Nanuet, New York, a devastating tragedy struck on the afternoon of May 14, 2025, leaving a community in mourning. Nicholas K. Colandrea, a 32-year-old resident of Congers, was fatally struck by a train near the Metro-North Railroad station, an event that has shaken the close-knit Rockland County community. The sudden loss of a young life has sparked grief, reflection, and renewed calls for rail safety awareness.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:55 p.m., just west of the Nanuet station, as a southbound New Jersey Transit train, number 1630, approached the platform. The train, operating on Metro-North’s Pascack Valley Line, was traveling at a speed of about 25 miles per hour, which authorities have confirmed was appropriate for the area. Colandrea, for reasons still under investigation, was on the tracks at the time of the collision. Despite the swift response of emergency medical personnel, he was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after the impact, at 3:09 p.m.
The train carried six passengers and three crew members, none of whom were injured. However, the emotional toll of the incident likely reverberated through those onboard, as well as the train’s operator and first responders. The Clarkstown Police Department assisted at the scene, closing nearby Prospect Street in both directions to secure the area and support the investigation. The Pascack Valley Line, which connects parts of New Jersey and New York, faced temporary service disruptions, with substitute bus services provided to accommodate passengers while authorities conducted their initial response.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Police Department is leading the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Colandrea’s death. Early findings, including video evidence, suggest no criminal activity was involved. Authorities have stated that Colandrea was not authorized to be on the tracks, a restricted and highly dangerous area. Investigators are continuing to review footage, interview witnesses, and gather evidence to piece together why Colandrea was in such a perilous location. The investigation remains in its preliminary stages, and officials have promised to share updates as more information becomes available.
Nicholas Colandrea’s death has left a profound void in the Congers and Nanuet communities. While little has been publicly shared about his personal life, the tragedy of a young man’s life cut short has resonated deeply. Local residents have expressed shock and sorrow, with some describing Nanuet as a quiet, tight-knit town where such incidents are rare and particularly jarring. The loss has prompted an outpouring of sympathy for Colandrea’s family and friends, who are grappling with an unimaginable grief.
This incident underscores the inherent dangers of railway tracks, which are not only restricted zones but also unpredictable environments where trains can appear suddenly. Transit authorities have long emphasized the importance of staying off tracks and remaining vigilant near rail infrastructure. Even at a controlled speed, as was the case with this train, collisions can be unavoidable when individuals are in restricted areas. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of how quickly lives can be altered by a single moment of misjudgment or circumstance.
In the wake of such events, transit agencies often provide counseling and support for train operators, crew members, and passengers who may be affected by the trauma. The MTA and New Jersey Transit are likely to offer resources to those involved, recognizing the emotional weight of such an incident. For the Nanuet community, the focus remains on supporting Colandrea’s loved ones and ensuring that such tragedies are prevented in the future.
The Pascack Valley Line, a vital commuter route serving Rockland County and northern New Jersey, resumed operations later on May 14, though delays persisted as the investigation continued. The line, which stretches 31 miles from Hoboken Terminal to Spring Valley, is a lifeline for many residents, and its temporary suspension highlighted the broader impact of the incident. The MTA has urged anyone with information about the event to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in understanding the full scope of what occurred.
As investigators work to uncover the details of Colandrea’s presence on the tracks, the incident has sparked renewed discussions about rail safety education. Public awareness campaigns often stress the dangers of trespassing on tracks, a message that takes on added urgency in the wake of such a loss. The MTA and local authorities are likely to reinforce these efforts, encouraging residents to stay alert and respect the boundaries of rail infrastructure.
For now, the Nanuet community mourns a life lost too soon. Nicholas Colandrea’s death is a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life and the critical need for vigilance around railways. As the investigation progresses, his family, friends, and neighbors will seek solace in their memories of him, while the broader community reflects on how to prevent such tragedies in the future. The MTA and Clarkstown Police remain committed to providing answers, ensuring that this incident serves as a catalyst for greater safety and awareness along the tracks that connect their towns.
