Montclair High Senior Struck and Killed by Train

Story updated at 8:30 p.m.

An 18-year-old high school student who was struck and killed by a train near the Watchung Avenue train station in Montclair Thursday did not attempt to move off the tracks, according to NJTransit spokesperson John Durso Jr.

The victim was identified as Eamonn D. Wholley of Montclair. Wholley was a senior at Montclair High School and just weeks from graduating.

"Eyewitness accounts saw the trespasser climb an embankment, position himself on the tracks and he did not attempt to move," Durso said.

NJTransit could not confirm the death was a suicide. The investigation is still ongoing.

Wholley was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after he was struck at about 11 a.m. 

Montclair Schools Superintendent Penny MacCormack emailed parents Thursday afternoon about the tragedy.

"Our hearts and thoughts are with the student’s family, friends, and teachers," MacCormack said. "Further updates will be forthcoming. Counseling will be available in the days ahead for those in the Montclair Public Schools touched by this tragedy."

Wholley's peers took to social media Thursday to express their sadness about the loss of a classmate. 

Twitter messages included, "RIP Eamonn Wholley you will be missed" and "Known Eamonn since kindergarten #mindblowing #rip."

The 30 passengers plus crew members on board the train were unharmed, NJTransit said. 

The No. 6226 train was coming from the Montclair State University Station on its way to New York when it came to a screeching halt, according to a woman who was in Watchung Plaza at the time.

"I heard the train stop and screech and then there were like a zillion cops," she said. 

Yellow police tape cordoned off the area on the western end of the commuter train where the teen was struck. The road was closed to traffic heading east on Watchung Avenue while the investigation was conducted. 

By the evening commute, trains were running on or close to schedule.

Patch will continue to update this story.