HIGHLANDS COUNTY, FL– The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office is reporting that a 13-year-old middle school student was fatally struck by an Amtrak Train earlier this week.
The incident occurred on Monday just after Avon Park Middle School students were let out of school for the day.
Authorities reported that they were alerted to the incident at 3:21 p.m., which is 11 minutes after the school release bell rang.
The teen was said to have been struck at West Bell Street and South Feagin Avenue by the northbound passenger train.
District counselors and local pastors were said to have been at the scene providing support to students after the tragedy occurred.
Support was also offered to students throughout the week.
“There are no words that can capture how devastating this is to our community and schools. Our prayers are with Malik’s family and friends and we will make counselors, victim advocates, therapy dogs and any other help available to anyone who has been directly impacted by this tragedy,” Sheriff Paul Blackman and Superintendent Brenda Longshore said in a joint statement.
Authorities are still investigating how the incident occurred.