SANFORD, Fla. – A SunRail train hit and killed a 13-year-old boy during the Friday rush hour, Sanford police said.
The teenager who was killed in the incident, Marcees Kilpatrick, was a student at Markham Woods Middle School, a Seminole County Public Schools spokesman said.
The crash was reported off West State Road 46 before 6 p.m., according to police.
Trains were delayed by 45 minutes because of police activity, SunRail officials said. The 62 passengers on the train that hit the teen had to stay on board for some time due to the active crime scene investigation, police said.
ATTN: #SunRail Rider. All SunRail trains are currently delayed by 45 minutes due to police activity. We apologize for the inconvenience.
— SunRail (@RideSunRail) May 19, 2017
To the south of the scene, remaining trains on the corridor could travel no farther north than Lake Mary. On the north end, trains could run no farther south than Sanford, said Steve Olson, communications manager of the Florida Department of Transportation.
Bus bridges and shuttles were put in operation between the Lake Mary and Sanford stations to take passengers back and forth between the two stops, Olson said.
The bus bridges wrapped up about 8:45 p.m., when trains were allowed to run on the second main line track at the scene. The entire main line was reopened for service at 9:45 p.m., according to the Department of Transportation.
Neighbors told News 6 that people often walk or bike near where the crash happened to cross the tracks between nearby neighborhoods. There is a sign in the same area that warns people not to trespass.
A small memorial was growing Sunday morning near the site of Friday's incident.
A candlelight vigil for Kilpatrick will be held Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in Sanford, according to a Facebook post.
Grief counselors will be available to students at Markham Woods Middle School beginning Monday, principal Byron Durias wrote on the school's Facebook page.
"On Monday, a grief team will be available, and will remain as long as necessary, to provide support and assistance to the students and staff of the school," Durias said.
As you may know, our school has experienced the death of a student that has affected our school community deeply. I...
Posted by Markham Woods Middle School on Saturday, May 20, 2017