POMPANO BEACH, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2026 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — A Pompano Beach man is dead following a midday collision with a Brightline train on Thursday. The Broward Sheriff’s Office tells BocaNewsNow.com that 40-year-old Michael Pappis was killed after his scooter struck the side of the northbound train at the intersection of East Copans Road and North Dixie Highway around 12:48 p.m.
Investigators with the BSO Traffic Homicide Unit Monday say the preliminary investigation indicates Pappis was attempting to cross the tracks from west to east. Despite active warning signals—including lights, bells, and lowered gates—Pappis continued forward and struck the front left side of the train, just behind the nose cone. The impact projected both the scooter and the driver in a northwest direction.
Pompano Beach Fire Rescue arrived on the scene shortly after the call and rushed Pappis to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Officials said that the Brightline train conducted an emergency stop north of the crossing, and no other injuries were reported among the passengers or crew.
Detectives have determined that all safety equipment at the grade crossing was fully operational at the time of the crash. The investigation is ongoing.
