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Chico State Student From Clayton Fatally Struck By Train

CHICO (CBS SF) -- A Clayton native who died Monday after being struck by a train has been identified, California State University at Chico officials said Thursday.

Samantha Lewis, a student at the university, was walking alone on the Union Pacific Railroad tracks at around 5:19 a.m. on Monday when a train approached, officials said.

The conductor of a southbound train saw her and blew the train's horns and applied the brakes, university officials said, but Lewis did not move from the tracks.

Chico police said they did not suspect foul play. Lewis, 20, arrived at Chico state in the fall of 2012 and was majoring in nutrition and food science, according to school officials. She was also a member of the school's a Capella choir.

"Samantha Lewis had a caring heart and was always concerned with others. It makes sense that she wanted to pursue a career helping others," said Nutrition and Food Science Department chairwoman Kathryn Silliman.

Silliman said Lewis worked for the Center for Nutrition and Activity Promotion's (CNAP) senior meals program helping to prepare meals for seniors in Butte County. She saw herself working in a healthcare facility or in the California school system, Silliman said.

"Her co-workers at CNAP say that Samantha had a lot of energy and had a bubbly, cheerful personality," Silliman said.

Music professor and choral director David Scholz said Lewis would often migrate to the front row during choir practice.

"I was the recipient of her infectious smile on a frequent basis," Scholz said. "I'm going to miss that smile."

University officials said Lewis is survived by her parents, two sisters and a brother. Information about memorial services is forthcoming.

Chico students who may need support can access the school's urgent walk-in services at the Counseling and Wellness Center located in the Student Services Building Room 430. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. with walk-in hours from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. For more information, students can call: (530) 898-6345.

© Copyright 2014 by CBS San Francisco and Bay City News Service. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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