Family, friends remember teen fatally struck by train in Daytona Beach

Giovanne Gonzalez hit after trying to cross train tracks near Daytona Beach Golf Club

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Friends and family gathered to remember a teen who was killed by a train this week.

Giovanne Gonzalez, 17, was hit after trying to cross the train tracks on Wilder Boulevard, near the Daytona Beach Golf Club.

[RELATED: Teen struck, killed by train in Daytona Beach]

Gloria Gonzalez is still searching for answers about what happened minutes before her son was hit and killed. She doesn't believe it was a suicide.

"Why does it have to mean that my son was the one trying to commit suicide?" asked Gloria Gonzalez. "What's up with the conductor? He said he blew the horn so many times from far away, why didn't he just stop?"

Daytona Beach police said her son was crossing the tracks with a skateboard in his hand and when the conductor saw the teen in the middle of the tracks, he honked his horn and tried to stop, but wasn't able to in time.

"He had Jesus in his heart and that's the way he loved, that's the way he walked, the way he skated," said Gloria Gonzalez.

Skateboarding was her son's passion. He often came to the Jericho youth center and was part of Skateboarders for Christ.

"I'll remember that smile. His smile, his gentleness, he was so gentle," said Gloria Gonzalez.

Gloria Gonzalez doesn't know why her son was at the train tracks and while many questions remain about her son's final moments, Gloria Gonzalez said her belief in God is keeping her strong.

"I know he's in a better place. He's at peace and that brings me peace," said Gloria Gonzalez.

Giovanne Gonzalez would have celebrated his 18th birthday on March 11. The family said his funeral will be Saturday.

Local 6 reached out to police to see if they have any new information, but it's still unclear if the incident was a suicide or tragic accident.


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