Arizona mother of seven fatally struck by train while filming morning run with noise-canceling headphones

A 47-year-old mother of seven was fatally struck by a train in Eloy, Arizona, while filming her morning run and wearing noise-canceling headphones, according to her family.

Thelma Candelaria had recently started documenting her runs on social media as part of a health journey that coincided with her baptism. In her final video, shared early Thursday, she told her Instagram followers she was taking running “seriously,” flashing a peace sign and giving a thumbs-up.

According to local media reports, Candelaria filmed one train passing after it sounded its horn. She was then struck by another train traveling in the opposite direction. Her daughter, Alaisha Candelaria, 29, said her mother was wearing pink noise-canceling headphones and appeared unaware of the danger.

“She was in her own world. She was singing along to Jessie Reyez, which is her favorite artist. She was laughing,” Alaisha told KTVK.

The train reportedly applied its emergency brakes, but the collision was fatal. Candelaria had initially been reported missing after she failed to return home.

Family remembers her faith and love

Candelaria’s death came days after she was baptized. Her friend Amber Sherban said in a GoFundMe fundraiser that Candelaria had embraced Christianity and had recently shared messages of gratitude, positivity and faith on social media.

Her family and friends described her as a loving and selfless woman, while mourning the loss of a mother who leaves behind seven children.

The circumstances of the collision highlight the potential dangers of wearing noise-canceling headphones near railroad tracks, where approaching trains may be difficult to hear.