Family Sues Metro Over Death Of Man Dragged By Expo Line Train

SANTA MONICA, CA — Family members of a 65-year-old man who was fatally injured when struck by an Expo Line train at the 17th Street Station in Santa Monica in January are suing Metro.

Ronnie Solomon, 65, of Lynwood died at the scene about 8:30 a.m. Jan. 15, according to reports at the time by the coroner's office and the Sheriff's Transit Services Bureau.

The Los Angeles Superior Court suit was filed Thursday by Deonta Tyree Solomon, Jeris Venwalas King and Esther Valery Person. The suit identifies them as surviving heirs of Ronnie Solomon but does not state their relationship to him.

The suit alleges wrongful death, premises liability and negligent hiring, supervision and retention. The suit seeks unspecified damages.

A Metro spokesman did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

While trying to board the train, Solomon fell onto the tracks between it and another train, the suit states. The conductor did not see Solomon and the train began to move, dragging and killing him, the suit states.

The suit alleges the conductor was negligently trained and failed to make sure all people were clear of the tracks before the train departed. The suit further alleges Solomon was not given adequate medical treatment.

City News Service