10-year-old boy killed after being hit by Commuter Rail train

SALEM, Mass. — A 10-year-old boy was killed Friday night after being hit by a Commuter Rail train in Salem.

The crash happened around 8 p.m. near Salem Station at 40 Lawrence St.

The Essex District Attorney said the boy was with a group of friends at a nearby park. Witnesses said the 10-year-old was crossing the tracks to get his bike.

Salem Public Schools has identified the 10-year-old as Jaydon Dancy, a student at the Carlton Elementary School.

An outbound train passed at 8:04 p.m. and then another inbound train went by about a minute later, said the DA. Investigators said they believe the child was not aware a second train was coming.

"There are no adequate words to aptly convey the utter tragic event this is," a statement posted by the MBTA said.

Neighbors told Boston 25 News that people often use that area of the tracks as a cut through despite fences and signs designed to keep people out because there is an access road there.

The D.A. said the boy's death appears to be an accident an no foul play is suspected.

The Carlton School posted on its Facebook page about the loss of Jaydon.

"Our school community suffered an unimaginable loss last evening. Jaydon Dancy, an E2 student, was involved in a tragic and fatal accident. Jaydon was loved by many including his teachers and his friends. The city and school district will open the Carlton School tomorrow from 6-8pm for families and members of the community who would like to come together."

Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll posted the following on her Facebook page:

"There is no more profoundly sorrowful event than the accidental death of a child. The boy involved in this tragedy was a student at the Carlton School. He was loved and respected and our memories of him will be of a bright and engaging young man. I have refrained from releasing his name to allow his family additional time to grieve and to notify their extended family.
We will pull together to support the family, the Carlton School community, the other students who were present, and all in Salem who are struggling with this terrible loss. Supports and counseling services will be in place at our schools and resources will be provided to parents looking for help in talking with their children about this tragedy. We will post and circulate this information shortly.
This young man was very special and we are heart sick by his loss. Please keep his family in your prayers."

Last October, State Rep. Paul Tucker posted on his Facebook page that Jaydon had been honored for rescuing a distressed kayaker. Jaydon called out to the man, then swam out to him and pulled him to shore. Unfortunately, the man didn't survive, but town officials honored Jaydon's act of bravery.

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