NEW MILFORD - A Blue Ridge High School student was killed Tuesday morning when he was hit by a train in New Milford Twp.
The teen, identified by police as Mahlon C. Mosher, 16, of New Milford, was hit at about 8:15 a.m. by a northbound train on the Canadian Pacific tracks about a quarter mile south of the school.
Mahlon was walking on the rail ties parallel to Route 11 toward the school and was wearing headphones when he was hit, police said. He did not realize a train traveling north, the same direction he was walking, was approaching him and also did not hear it sound its air horn, state police said.
Trooper John Oliver said there was no indication of neglect by train personnel. The horn was sounded, and the brakes were applied, but it could not stop in time.
As the train passed, the engine's front plow struck the teen, killing him, police said.
Blue Ridge High School Principal Matthew Nebzydoski said the student was a sophomore and new to the district this year. He was a member of the wrestling team.
According to a report published Sunday in The Times-Tribune, Mahlon wrestled in the 160-pound weight class.
Mr. Nebzydoski said Blue Ridge students had been made aware of the death. Grief counselors were made available to students Tuesday and also will be in place today.
A Facebook page was created to memorialize the teen with more than 470 people joining the page by within six hours of its creation Tuesday night, and leaving comments such as:
"Praying for the family of this young man, so tragic a loss."
"R.I.P you were one of my friends and now you are an angel. ... You're missed but never forgotten. ... Its gonna be so different not seeing you around."
"One of my wrestlers & one of the nicest, polite boys I have had the honor to know. ... God Bless you & your family."
Staff writer KATIE SULLIAN contributed to this report
Contact the writer: swilson@independentweekender.com