Tuesday afternoon in the Town of Fenton, a teen was killed while crossing railroad tracks by an approaching train. The victim was identified by the Broome County Sheriff’s Office as Jakob McCloe, 17, of Port Crane, a junior at Chenango Valley High School.
Sheriff’s deputies responded to a 911 report about a pedestrian-train incident close to the Crocker Hill Road section of the Town of Fenton at 8:45 on Tuesday morning, according to the sheriff’s office.
McCloe was discovered to have been traveling westward on the Norfolk Southern Railroad Tracks at the time when a detective from the sheriff’s office conducted an inquiry.
Investigators said that McCloe looked to be donning noise-canceling headphones since he was unable to hear the approaching train as he walked.
McCloe didn’t appear to be aware that the train was coming despite the engineer’s repeated attempts to draw his attention.
According to the sheriff’s office, McCloe was struck at 8:53 a.m. because the engineer was unable to stop the train. At the scene, he was identified as deceased.
“After a thorough investigation of the scene, extensive interviews and a review of camera footage of the train, our detectives have determined that this tragic loss of life was nothing other than a terrible accident,” Sheriff Fred Akshar said.
Tuesday afternoon, the Chenango Valley Central School District delivered a letter to parents alerting them of a student’s passing. The letter claimed therapy was offered through the guidance office for anyone experiencing grief but did not give the victim’s name or any other information.
Following the disclosure of McCloe’s identification by the Broome County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday, interim superintendent Michelle Feyerabend amended her statement to district families.
“This devastating loss has deeply affected our school community. Jakob will be remembered for hischarisma, sense of humor, and care for his teammates and friends,” Feyerabend wrote. “During this difficult time, it is important that we come together as a community to support one another.”
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