ROCKLEDGE, Fla. – An 83-year-old woman who died in a crash with a Brightline train in Rockledge last year had over three times the legal limit of alcohol in her system, according to a newly released report.
The crash happened in September 2025 near Eyster Boulevard and U.S. 1. Surveillance video from a nearby business showed Eleanora Mitchell driving through an active crossing arm and into the path of the train before her car exploded on impact, police said. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
[GRAPHIC WARNING: See surveillance video from Central Florida UroGynecology showing the deadly crash]
Police said the medical examiner found a “lethal amount” of alcohol in Mitchell’s system, the report shows. The medical examiner told police there was over three times the legal limit of alcohol in Mitchell’s system.
Police asked a family member if Mitchell was known to consume alcohol or other substances, but the family member advised she did not drink, the report shows.
The family of Mitchell previously told Rockledge Community Correspondent James Sparvero that the senior was on her way to Planet Fitness to work out, as she routinely did, when for unknown reasons, she drove through the railroad crossing arm.
One witness told police she had stopped at the tracks when the crossing arms were activated and saw Mitchell driving under the gate. She said it was odd and did not appear that Mitchell was trying to get around or avoid the train, the report said.
According to the report, the vehicle split in half due to the impact of the crash.
Safety measures for train crossings:
- Look and listen for a train as you approach all railroad crossings – obey all signs, warning lights and gates.
- Trains might be quieter and faster than you think – never try to beat a train.
- Because of their size and weight, it can take a mile or more to stop a train.
- Always expect a train on any track; avoid distractions when you approach a crossing.
- Railroad property is private property. Walking on the tracks is illegal and dangerous.