Alicia Leonardi, 42, Dies While Rescuing Her Ex-Boyfriend's Dog

In addition to reports disclosing the details surrounding the death of the 42-year-old woman, her bereaved daughter shared a tear-jerking post about her mother's death on Facebook.

The Plaistow community in New Hampshire is mourning the loss of Alicia Leonardi, whose life came to a tragic end as a result of a fatal accident involving a train on Monday, June 2, 2025. Leonardi's family, including her mother, has spoken out about the sad news, painting a glowing picture of the kindhearted and happy person the late 42-year-old was — someone who lost her life saving a dog.

According to reports, Leonardi had been walking with her ex-boyfriend and his dog, Jackson, through a wooded area near the Newfields Road trestle when tragedy struck. The peaceful outing turned dire when an Amtrak train barreled around a corner unexpectedly.

Alarmed by the sound of the horn, the dog darted onto the tracks. In a desperate effort to save him, both Leonardi and the man she was with raced after the animal.

She and her ex ended up being hit by the train. Though Jackson emerged unharmed, the attempt cost Leonardi her life. She was pronounced dead at the scene, while her ex sustained only minor injuries.

"She loved that dog, that dog was everything to her," divulged Cathleen Collis, Leonardi's mother. Collis described her daughter as "a very happy, smiling, bubbly girl" whose energy lit up every room she entered.

"I'm going to miss her very much," she added. The suddenness of the incident has left Leonardi's family and friends reeling and struggling to come to terms with the enormity of their loss.

Leonardi's cousin, Joe Gatley, reflected on her resilience and recent progress in life. "She had some tough times," he acknowledged. "We've been doing really well in life right now, and it's just a tragedy."

Leonardi, who lived in Manchester, was working at a restaurant and had hoped to return to school to study skincare. A close friend of hers dubbed her a one-of-a-kind person with a heart of gold.

The same friend went on to highlight how deeply Leonardi will be missed by everyone in her life, especially her 24-year-old daughter, Faith Bishop.

Speaking out about the tragedy, Bishop told reporters that her mother meant everything to her. Additionally, the family has vowed to keep Leonardi's spirit alive and honor the life she lived. "Live every day to the fullest," Gatley urged. "Because, you know, tomorrow's not — there's no guarantee."

Civilians who live near the train track where Leonardi's life was lost shared that this tragedy is not the first instance they have heard about someone getting hit by a train.

"Oh, it's just horrendous to hear about, especially in such a way. We live right next to the tracks, right? Obviously, you don't think about the dangers here," noted Exeter resident Al Spinale.

In the wake of the accident, the Exeter Police Department issued an official statement expressing their condolences and confirming that they are working closely with Amtrak and CSX Police on the investigation.

According to their report, the fatal incident occurred at approximately 3:24 p.m., prompting a response from both Exeter Police and Fire/Rescue personnel. They were called to the wooded section of the outbound train tracks after the event was reported by train authorities.

As news of Leonardi's selfless final act continues to spread, the weight of her loss has settled heaviest on the person she loved dearly — her daughter.

In a Facebook post shared days after the incident, Bishop gave voice to the rawness of her grief, describing an emotional ache she had never known before. Her message, brimming with sorrow, also served as an open invitation for people to honor her mother's life at a ceremony scheduled for June 21 at Comeau Funeral Home in Haverhill, Massachusetts.

Accompanying Bishop's tribute is a poignant collection of personal photos — images that capture the deep bond she shared with her mother over the years.

One shows Leonardi beaming as she embraces a young Bishop in a moment of pure maternal joy. Another captures the pair smiling cheek-to-cheek. A photo of a handwritten Valentine's Day card, filled with words of encouragement and unwavering love from Leonardi to her daughter, stands as a powerful reminder of just how much Leonardi cherished Bishop.

"You're the best daughter/friend in the universe," reads a portion of the message. Other photos feature smiling portraits, affectionate moments, and a heart-shaped stone inscribed with a message about love's enduring power.

At this time, we wish to express our most heartfelt condolences to Bishop, Collis, Gatley, all of Leonardi's family members, loved ones, friends, and all who knew and loved her, as they mourn such a significant loss. We hope for their healing amid their time of grief. RIP, dear Leonardi.