The family of 74-year-old Corazon Dandan, a dedicated telephone operator and beloved member of her community, is demanding accountability after her tragic death on July 1.
Corazon was pushed into the path of a moving train at San Francisco’s Powell Street station by a career criminal, Trevor Belmont, 49.
The horrifying incident ended with Corazon fatally hitting her head on the train before collapsing onto the platform.
At a press conference, her nephew, Dr. Alvin Dandan, shared the family’s grief and determination.
“We seek to hold BART accountable for its failure to keep my aunt safe,” he said.
The family’s wrongful death lawsuit against the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system argues that inadequate security and negligence allowed the tragedy to occur.
Allegations of Neglect by the Transit System
The lawsuit alleges that BART failed to prevent the attack, even though Belmont, a repeat offender, had been banned from all BART stations due to prior criminal activities.
Belmont, who also used the alias Hoak Taing, had a history of arrests—27 times over two decades—alongside convictions for lewd conduct and trespassing.
Despite these restrictions, Belmont managed to enter Powell Street station that night.
The family argues that BART did not have sufficient personnel or protocols to enforce safety measures, calling the transit system a “complete failure” in protecting its passengers.
A Pattern of Safety Concerns
The suit also highlights systemic safety issues, particularly for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) riders, who feel disproportionately targeted on public transit.
A 2023 survey cited in the lawsuit revealed that none of the AAPI respondents considered BART “very safe,” while 78 percent expressed fears of becoming crime victims on trains.
Alvin Dandan noted the ongoing risks faced by riders like his aunt, who commuted late at night from her job at Parc 55 Hotel, where she worked for 30 years
. “My worst fears came true,” said Corazon’s brother, Reynaldo, as he recalled expressing concern for her safety just a week before the incident.
Calls for Justice and Reform
The family’s lawsuit seeks damages for wrongful death, elder abuse, and dangerous conditions on public property.
They are also urging BART to take immediate steps to improve safety for all riders.
“Through this case, we hope that what happened to my aunt never happens to anyone else,” Alvin said, emphasizing their goal to see systemic changes in her memory.
Two days after Corazon’s death, state and local officials formally requested additional security measures, including deploying California Highway Patrol officers at train stations.
Attorney Nanci Nishimura criticized BART for failing to address known safety concerns, stating, “This lawlessness has to stop.”
Remembering Corazon’s Legacy
Corazon’s family also took time to celebrate her life and contributions.
After moving to the United States from the Philippines, Corazon worked tirelessly to build a life for herself, maintaining her role as a telephone operator at prominent San Francisco hotels.
Her colleagues admired her for her generosity—she frequently cooked meals for coworkers and opened her home to visitors.
“She didn’t need to work anymore, but she loved what she did,” Alvin shared, adding, “She had so much kindness to give, but her life was taken far too soon.”
Next Steps in the Case
The man responsible for Corazon’s death, Trevor Belmont, now faces charges of murder and inflicting great bodily harm on a vulnerable person.
Prosecutors have also added a special circumstance of lying in wait.
Belmont’s next court appearance is scheduled for February 11.
As the family continues to grieve, they remain steadfast in their quest for justice, hoping that Corazon’s death will inspire meaningful changes in transit safety.
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