2 killed by CATS light-rail train while holding a memorial where relative also died

Two men holding a memorial for a family member who was struck and killed by a light-rail train last week, died in an eerily similar manner early Tuesday, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said.

At 5:10 a.m., police responded to reports of a LYNX Blue Line train striking two pedestrians near South Boulevard and Hebron Street. Upon arrival, officers found Pablo Tiquiram Us, 29, and Jose Chilambalam Tiquiram Us, 20, near the tracks, CMPD said in a statement late Tuesday.

Medic pronounced both men dead at the scene.

The two men were walking north on the southbound tracks when they were struck by train No. 317, which was pulling another train car, police said. The LYNX operator immediately stopped the train, police said.

Pablo and Jose were attempting to hold a memorial for Baltazar Tiquiram Us, who died after a light-rail train hit his pickup truck at the same location on July 26, police said.

CMPD did not specify the exact relation between the three men.

Alcohol impairment is suspected to be a contributing factor for Pablo and Jose Tiquiram Us, police said.

All safety mechanisms for the CATS line at this location were in full effect and working properly, CMPD said.

Police said last week that Baltazar Tiquiram Us drove a Toyota Tundra around the Hebron Street crossing’s arms and into the path of a LYNX train, the Observer previously reported. A passenger inside the pickup was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

In 2017, a 26-year-old woman was killed after her vehicle collided with a light-rail train at the Hebron crossing, the Observer reported. The driver failed to stop for the crossing arms and signal, CMPD said.

Anyone who witnessed Tuesday’s crash or has information about pertaining to it can call Detective Kupfer at 704-432-2169, extension 1., call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or leave a tip at charlottecrimestoppers.com/.