A family is mourning the loss of their 16-year-old son after being struck and killed by a train on Sunday afternoon in the City of Burlington.
Authorities say Jack Meyers was riding his bike across the intersection of Adams Street and Bridge Street.
The Racine County Sheriff's Office received calls saying a bicyclist was struck around 12:30 p.m.
The City of Burlington Police Department arrived on scene and confirmed one pedestrian was killed after being struck by a southbound Canadian National Train.
Police say the 16-year-old disregarded emergency warning crossing signals when he crossed.
Meyers was a junior at Burlington High School. The school says they will have counseling services in place for students after this incident.
Community members stopped by the scene saying the community needs to come together to support this family.
“We are a wonderful town. We’re all going to work together in this, I know we will. We don’t ever want this to happen again and we'll be praying, I know we will,” Pat Schilling, a lifelong Burlington resident said.
The police are providing resources to the family as well as the responding officers.
“It’s been very, very difficult. We have resources in place as well as peer support and staff from the Racine County Sheriff that's been helping our staff as well as the fire department, but this is really difficult scene to work,” Chief Zmudzinski said.
In a press release from the City of Burlington, the family says that ‘Jack was a dedicated family member and had a big heart’.
After Sunday, Burlington Chief Zmudzinksi reminded people to practice train safety.
“We do have a considerable amount of train traffic in the community, and you can’t try to save a couple minutes off your day by beating the traffic control for the trains. It’s there for a reason,” Chief Zmudzinski said,
The City of Burlington Police Department is continuing to investigate and is working with the Racine County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin State Patrol, and the Canadian National Police Department.
Burlington Area School District's Director of Strategic Communications tells TMJ4 News that Jack Meyers attended Burlington High School's Class of 2024, the junior class.
Director of Strategic Communications Julie L. Thomas said the school district will have counseling staff at the high school to assist students and staff; and that members of the Burlington High School staff are reaching out to the family today to offer their support.
The mayor of Burlington issued the following statement:
– The Burlington community is deeply saddened by the tragic and
sudden loss of Jack Meyers, a 16-year-old Burlington High School student who was also a son and
friend to so many. Jack was known for his "Big Heart" and very dedicated to his family.
The outpouring of prayers has not stopped from the community to his family after hearing of this loss,
as no words can express what his family is going through.
We want to let Jack's family know, we as a community are here for you. We also need to support those
who may have witnessed the loss, including the first responders and the conductor of Canadian
National, as well as Jack’s friends and the school staff who are supporting so many students in grief.
Burlington family, please continue with your prayers and your support to his family and friends.
God Bless
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