A Brightline train makes its way past the intersection of Northeast 48th Street and North Dixie Highway on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, in Pompano Beach, Fla. Michael Pappis, 40, was riding a scooter when he fatally crashed Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, with a Brightline train in Pompano Beach.
Photo by Matias J. Ocner
mocner@miamiherald.com
The Broward Sheriff’s Office has identified the scooter driver who died after colliding with a Brightline train Thursday in Pompano Beach, and found all the safety equipment at the crossing was in working order.
Michael Pappis, 40, crashed into the train around 12:48 p.m. while he was riding a scooter near East Copans Road and North Dixie Highway, BSO said Monday. He was taken to a local hospital and pronounced dead.
Detectives determined the train was headed north on the west set of tracks approaching Copans Road when Pappis attempted to cross “despite the active warning signals (lights, bells, and gates) at the grade crossing,” the sheriff’s office said.
“It was determined all safety equipment at the grade crossing was operational,” the office said.
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The scooter hit the front left side of the Brightline train. Pappis and the scooter were thrown northwest from the train, which came to an emergency stop north of the crossing.
No other injuries were reported, the office said. The investigation is ongoing.
Pappis’ death marked the 200th confirmed death involving the high-speed rail connecting Miami to Orlando. A spokesperson for Brightline did not immediately respond Monday to a request for comment.
