the train remained at the scene for several hours .
the 15 - car union pacific train was returning to denver on saturday evening from a daylong trip to cheyenne frontier days in wyoming when the woman was hit at a crossing in henderson at about 7:45 p.m.
unlike other steam locomotives , it never made it to the scrap heap , instead it was saved and is now used as an " ambassador of goodwill " by union pacific .
passengers were bused back to denver .
844 was involved in a pedestrian that was struck and killed by one of union pacific 's historic steam trains was taking pictures of the locomotive and apparently ventured too close to the tracks .
the victim was among several people taking photographs over the weekend of a steam locomotive was struck and killed after getting too close to the tracks in north suburban denver .
the adams county sheriff 's office and commerce city police were at the scene shortly after the accident , but the sheriff 's office said , " union pacific is leading the investigation . "
history of union pacific 's historic steam train steam engine 844 is perhaps the country 's most famous steam locomotive .
steam aficionados travel alongside the train , or line the right - of - way to take pictures , or videotape the excursions .