Teen killed by train was camping out in the area

 A 17-year-old who was hit and killed by a train Saturday morning in the Lily community was camping out in the area.

According to Sheriff John Root, the teen, identified through social media as William Walters of Keavy, had been camping out in the area with his younger brother and their 29-year-old cousin. The brother and cousin were walking back to the cousin’s home to get items to build a fire when the accident occurred.

Root stated that the train operator stated that he saw Walters on the track at the last minute as the train travelled north about 3:06 a.m. The operator attempted an emergency stop but was unable to do so in time to avoid the collision.

Walters was pronounced dead at the scene.

Sheriff’s deputies are continuing the investigation.