Andrea Laurette Mrotz. Courtesy photo

The Vallejo woman fatally struck by a train Sunday night in Davis was a UC Davis graduate who was active in the genetically modified organism labeling movement, and more recently showed interest in the local water fluoridation debate.

Andrea Laurette Mrotz, 29, died after being struck by an eastbound Amtrak Capital Corridor train that was preparing to stop at the Davis train station on Second Street at about 7:20 p.m., Amtrak officials said. Witnesses said she had been crossing the passenger platform at the time.

“A bright light just went out,” said longtime Davis resident Barbara King, who met Mrotz in late September when they both attended a Davis Citizens Against Fluoridation meeting at the Hattie Weber Museum.

“She asked a lot of questions,” recalled King, who also sat next to Mrotz when the Davis City Council voted against fluoridating the local water supply at its Oct. 1 meeting. “She was bright, and she was excited about getting involved.”

UCD officials confirmed that Mrotz attended the university from 2006 to 2008, receiving a bachelor’s degree in microbiology in March 2009.

According to her LinkedIn profile, Mrotz was employed as a leader/organizer for LabelGMOs: California’s Grassroots, the organization seeking mandatory labeling of foods that contain genetically engineered ingredients.

Pamm Larry, LabelGMOs’ founder-director, said the movement “has lost a valued grassroots organizer.”

“Andrea was a vivacious, intelligent, engaging woman with a deep love and commitment for the planet,” Larry said. “She gave of herself tirelessly for those she loved and the ideals she embodied. Andrea will be sorely missed.”

Rachel Pachivas, the Bay Area director for LabelGMOs, said Mrotz “loved life and had a passion to see others’ lives thrive.”

“She was such an incredible leader — she always took projects on with full energy and enthusiasm, and always did an incredible job setting the stage for others,” Pachivas said. “She was sweet and kind, helpful and understanding. I am a bit taken aback to hear that such a young and vibrant young lady who deserves so much love can be gone now.”

The circumstances surrounding the fatal collision remained under investigation Monday by Union Pacific Railroad police, in whose jurisdiction the incident occurred.

“There are no indications of foul play,” said Aaron Hunt, a Union Pacific spokesman. Despite some initial reports that Mrotz may have been talking on a cell phone as she crossed the platform, “we do not know if a cell phone or other electronic device was in use at the time of the incident.”

The Auburn-bound train was carrying 314 passengers and crew members, none of whom were injured, Amtrak spokeswoman Vernae Graham said. The crew asked to be relieved of its duties, and passengers were transferred to another train to complete their travel.

— Reach Lauren Keene at [email protected] or 530-747-8048. Follow her on Twitter at @laurenkeene

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