Lake Como Mural Artist Killed In Fatal Train Strike: Cops

A woman who was killed by a NJ Transit train Wednesday was identified as a much-praised artist at the Jersey Shore who channeled her passion though wall murals, according to police and reports.

Laurie Tobia, 25, of Lake Como was struck and killed at approximately 8:25 p.m. when the North Jersey Coast Line train 4375 passed through the Belmar area, according to NJ Transit.

Tobia graduated from the University of Delaware and found her niche in designing murals during her final semester when assigned to a public art project, according to the semgeeks website.

Tobia then contacted The Belmar Arts Council and was quickly put in touch with its founder, Pat Hutchinson, who had her create a mural on the Belmar Train Station.

“I have roots in Belmar, it just felt right starting there,” she told the website. She then decorated both the north and southbound lines.

"Her passion inspired community paint day, bringing together townspeople and train station travelers to collaborate on a unique design," the website said.

“It is important to continue to create (and) surround yourself with people and places that inspire your creative self,” Laurie told the website.

Tobia was struck when the rail shuttle from Long Branch to Bay Head, moving between the Belmar and Spring Lake stations in the vicinity of the Wall Road crossing, passed through, according to NJ Transit.

No injuries were reported to the 10 customers or the crew on board. New Jersey Transit Police were on the scene to lead the investigation.

North Jersey Coast Line service was suspended in both directions between Belmar and Bay Head but resumed at approximately 11:45 p.m., according to NJ Transit.