The teen who died Saturday in Vail after being struck by a train was identified as Nathan Hubble, 17, a student at Tanque Verde High School.ย
The Pima County Sheriffโs Department was notified shortly after 2 p.m. that two pedestrians had been hit by a train in the area of Marsh Station Road and Interstate 10, said department spokesman Deputy Ryan Inglett.
Hubble was pronounced dead at the scene and the second victim, a 17-year-old girl, was taken to Banner-University Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries, according to the sheriff's department.ย
Witnesses told deputies that the victims were on the elevated trestle bridge when the train approached and that they werenโt able to get out of the way in time.ย
Hubble's parents issued a statement Monday saying they are grieving the loss of their son and asked for privacy.
"We ask that you please redirect all attention to the extreme hazards that remain due to the unsecured bridge access, and ensure that young people do not continue to be exposed to this kind of tragedy," they said in the statement.ย
Justin Jacobs, a spokesman for Union Pacific Railroad, declined to comment on the parents' statement. He called the incident "very unfortunate."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time," Jacobs said.
The high school said grief counselors were available Monday and will be available throughout the week at the school for students and staff.
An online fundraising effort was launched in Hubble's name.ย
