The Malakoff Police Department issued a press release this morning concerning the death of Harry Smith, 15.
According to the press release, police received a call about 2:40 p.m. Thursday, June 26, that a pedestrian had been struck by a train in the 200 block of South Terry Street in Malakoff.
When police arrived, it was discovered that Harry had been hit and killedby a westbound freight train.
Investigators said that Harry had been woaking with two friends southbound on Terry Street when they heard the train coming.
According to the press release, Harry told his friends, “Come on, let’s see if we can beat the train across the tracks.” All three started running toward the crossing, but the two friends stopped and yelled for Harry to stop.
Harry continued to run and crossed the tracks in front of the train, where he was hit just as he was about to clear the tracks.
“The Malakoff Police Department and the entire City of Malakoff would like to extend our condolences and prayers to this family in their time of grief,” said Malakoff Police Chief Billy Mitchell. “We would also like to remind the public and our children how dangerous it is to be on or near railroad tracks, especially when a train is approaching.”