Wednesday, an emergency meeting was held for school staff a team of counselors was available for both students and staff. "It's impacted all of us here on campus. Whether you knew him or not, he's a Warrior. He's a Warrior; he's one of our own, said principal Adrian Palazuelos. Teachers also took time to speak to the teens about railroad safety.
Meanwhile, Damien Montenegro's family was still stunned by their loss. An uncle said Montenegro knew trains were dangerous and the family just can't understand why he was caught in the train's path. "I guess he was just too close than he thought he was," said Alberto Alfaro, Montenegro's uncle.
Montenegro is the second Fresno Unified student killed by a train in just over a month and the fourth Fresno student killed since 2008. Robin Potter lost her 15 year old son, Shawn, in March 2008 after he was hit by train in Northwest Fresno. Two crosses sit near the scene reminding others of the danger. Potter now volunteers with nationwide organization "Operation Lifesaver," educating kids about railroad safety.
In the next year, the nonprofit organization will make a focused effort in the Fresno area. Potter hopes sharing Shawn's story will help save other lives. "When you have that phone call that says your child has been hit by a train, and then the last words you tell your child, 'It's okay to go to heaven,' and he passes away in your arms … it's devastating," said Potter.
