FRANKLIN, Tenn. – A 17-year-old boy was struck and killed by a train in Franklin Thursday morning while walking to meet his girlfriend who was working nearby.
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According to investigators, the teen was wearing earbud headphones and walking with his back to the train when the accident happened at 9:45 a.m. near Liberty Pike.
Emergency crews found him in a nearby wooded area. He died at the scene.
“This is one of those cases that’s going to impact family, it’s going to impact friends and it’s going to impact strangers because in this community because of the loss,” Sgt. Charles Warner.
Metro police told News 2 said the teen’s family is devastated, and that he left home a short time before the accident happened.
“The days ahead are going to be extremely difficult. This teen was well liked, was well thought of and there are a lot of people in the community that are going to be heartbroken over the loss,” Warner said.
Authorities said every indication points to the incident being a tragic accident.
“Our hearts and the hearts of the Franklin community hurt for the family and friends of this young man,” said Chief Deborah Faulkner. “They are in our prayers.”
The accident remains under investigation. Further details weren’t immediately known.