Student Mourned After Train Accident In Morris County

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — The person who was struck and killed by a train in Morris County last week has been identified as a local high school student.

On Thursday, around 6:20 p.m., a Morris and Essex Line train fatally struck Cristhofer Chavez-Huamani, 18, of Dover, between the Mt. Arlington and Dover stations, officials said.

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Chavez-Huamani was reportedly conscious after the incident and later died in a nearby hospital.

Transit officials said the teen was trespassing on the tracks at the time of the accident. No other casualties were reported.

A report from the Daily Record said Chavez-Huamani was walking near NJ Transit tracks with his friends near a popular, but restricted, swimming hole on the Rockaway River when he was struck.

Now, the community is rallying to support the family and friends of the high school student.

“It is with deep sadness that I share we experienced a tragic accident this evening that resulted in the loss of one of our Dover High School students,” wrote Dover Public Schools Superintendent Luis A. Jaime in a letter to parents. “Our hearts go out to the student’s family, friends, and all those impacted by this loss. We understand that this news may be difficult for many members of our community.”

There are several grief counseling services available for students and staff in Dover Public Schools.

Additionally, a GoFundMe has been launched to help Chavez-Huamani’s family with funeral arrangements, send his body to Perú, and cover other unexpected costs.

“Cristhofer was a bright light in the lives of everyone who knew him. He was funny, sometimes a little bothersome in the way only someone full of life can be, but always happy, joyful, and full of love,” the fundraiser reads. “His kindness and willingness to help others made a lasting impact on his family and friends.”

The GoFundMe, which has raised more than $10,000 so far, can be found online here.