Woodburn High School student struck and killed by train
A 17-year-old Woodburn High School student was struck and killed by a train Friday morning, according to Woodburn Police.
Police said the incident happened just before 8 a.m. The student was walking northbound on the railroad tracks along the Front Street overpass when a train struck the student from behind, according to police.
The 17-year-old junior was pronounced dead at the scene.
All intersections between the overpass and Young Street were closed from 8 to 11 a.m.
Police have not yet identified the victim.
Woodburn Superintent Joe Morelock in a letter to Woodburn families said the district will not be sharing additional details about the student at this time.
"This is a terrible tragedy," he wrote, "and the district's highest priority is the support of our school community, including the student's family."
Morelock said students at Woodburn High School Friday morning were being supported by the district's Crisis Response Team and the district would continue to offer resources and support in the weeks and months to come.
"Over the next several days you may want to make yourself available to your child to talk about what has happened," Morelock wrote to parents. "When a young person dies, it touches all of us with grief, anger and questions to which there simply are not answers. Children process events and emotions differently than adults; likewise, elementary students will have different needs than high school students.
"You may want to discuss what your family can do to show your concern and sympathy for the family of our student as well as decide if your child should attend the wake or funeral," he continued. "A wide range of emotions might be expected and changes in eating and sleeping habits could occur. Changes that do not seem to improve over time should be brought to the attention of the school counselor or mental health professional.
"Our hearts are broken today," Morelock said, "and we are here for your child, your family and the entire Woodburn School District community."
If your child or family needs additional support, please see the below local resources:
Mental Health Crisis Hotlines
Marion County Mental Health Woodburn: 503-981-5851
Youth and Family Crisis Line: 503-576-HOPE
Crisis & Suicide Support Line (24 hours): 988
Marion County Youth & Family Crisis Service (11 a.m. to 10 p.m.): 503-576-4673
Marion County Crisis Center (24 hours): 503-585-4949
Marion County Behavioral Health: Telehealth, telephone, therapy and crisis services; Intake Line: 503-576-4676.
Children’s Behavioral Health: 3867 Wolverine St. NE, Bldg F, Salem, OR 97305; FAX: (503) 585-4990.
Children’s Behavioral Health: Rural Services, 976 N. Pacific Highway, Woodburn, OR 97071; FAX: (503) 566-2977.
This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Woodburn High School student struck and killed by train
