DELRAY BEACH, Fla. — Police have identified the couple who were killed when their SUV stopped on the railroad tracks and was struck by a Brightline train last week in Delray Beach.
Delray Beach police spokesman Ted White identified the victims as Arthur Jacobson, 82, and Bette Jacobson, 77.
The crash occurred on the evening of Feb. 8 along the railroad tracks at Lindell Boulevard and Old Dixie Highway.
Witnesses told police they saw the Nissan Rogue stopped on the easternmost track with the crossing gates down as a northbound freight train passed the SUV on the westernmost track.
Seconds later, however, a southbound Brightline train on the easternmost track struck the SUV, killing the couple.
White said there was no evidence to suggest that alcohol played a factor in the crash.
The couple was originally from Connecticut and typically spent their summers in Palm Beach County, according to their neighbors at Kings Point.
Neighbors also told WPTV the couple touched countless lives and were always willing to help others.
They were regulars at Taso's Greek Taverna, a family-owned restaurant in Delray Beach.
The owner, Taso Katechis, said he first met Arthur Jacobson in 1998 when the restaurant opened, and they had been close friends ever since.
WATCH: Restaurant owner recalls regularly seeing couple
"I think it was two weeks ago that he came in here with his wife and another couple, and I was hoping to see him next week, like this week," Katechis said. "So when I heard (about the crash), it was the worst thing (that) ever happened."
Neighbors and friends will come together this weekend for a unique memorial service to honor the Jacobsons. It will be held Sunday at the clubhouse in Kings Point.
Police continue to investigate the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board is also investigating.
