DAYTONA BEACH — A 17-year-old boy was hit and killed by a freight train Monday night, police said.
The teen was standing on the Florida East Coast Railway tracks some 300 yards north of Wilder Boulevard about 8:30 p.m. when he was struck by the southbound train, said Daytona Beach police Lt. Jakari Young.
Police identified the teen as Giovanni Gonzalez, 17, of 513 South Caroline St. in Daytona Beach.He was holding a skateboard and facing the train when he was hit, police spokesman Jimmie Flynt said. The train conductor saw the teen and continuously blew his horn but the boy did not immediately move, Flynt said.
“We don't know if he was playing a game or what,” Flynt said. “He didn't try to jump off until it was too late ... he didn't make it.”
The teen was thrown west of the tracks. He was carrying a skateboard which broke in half and was found next to him, Flynt said.
The teen died en route to Halifax Health Medical Center around 8:30 p.m., Flynt said.
The death remains under investigation.