Candlelight vigil held for teen killed by train
More than one hundred people showed up to a candlelight vigil to remember 16-year-old James Wilson Jr. of Banning. Wilson died crossing the railroad tracks on San Gorgonio Avenue near Banning High School.
According to the teen’s father, Wilson attempted to jump the tracks ahead of an on-coming train and his backpack got stuck. Friends say Wilson Jr. was a very good baseball payer and a good person with a good heart.
“He started towards the train and his friend said that he had to stop, and he jumped he made it across, but his backpack got stuck, and he got pulled,” said James Wilson Sr.
“James is an awesome person, he was really good baseball player, he has a big heart and cares about everybody, he was like a brother to everyone, we all love him we are all going to miss him,” said Patrick Lopez, Wilson’s friend and classmate.
Students at the vigil said that teachers at Banning High School often warned students about the dangers of trying to beat the train.
“They tell us if the train is coming we should stop and wait, and when we get to school tell them we are late because of the train, they’ll understand,” said Lopez.
Wilson Sr. said tragedy like this can be avoided if they make this intersection safer.
“They need to build a bridge here instead of the one on Sunset, that’s a nice bridge but it would be really nice right here, these are our children these are our future, this can happen again tomorrow or the next day,” said Wilson Sr.
The family is looking for help to pay for Wilson’s funeral. They have set up a GoFundMe page and are taking donations.
