Posted on 04/03/2006 2:30:39 PM PDT by radar101
A 15-year-old Oceanside boy died Saturday night when he tried to run across the tracks in front of an Amtrak train passing through this North coastal city and was struck, sheriff's officials said.
Sheriff's Railroad Enforcement Unit Deputy Gary Wilcoxson said the teenager was among a group of 22 youths playing "chicken" with the train, a dangerous game in which people see how close they can get to a moving train without being struck. Several of the victim's friends said Sunday the teenagers were not playing "chicken," saying the teenager's death was simply an accident.
Graham Suchman, an Oceanside High School student, died at 10:06 p.m. when he was struck by a northbound Amtrak train going about 50 mph south of the 200 block of Wisconsin Avenue, Wilcoxson said. He suffered severe head trauma and died instantly, the deputy said.
He is survived by his parents Eric and Jennifer Suchman of Oceanside, medical examiner's investigator Michael Ellano said.
A white wooden cross was erected Sunday on a small center island just east of the railroad crossing. The words "In loving memory Graham Suchman God Bless" were written on the cross and several bouquets of flowers were placed below it.
The victim's friends gathered at the site late Sunday afternoon and said they were surprised and upset to hear that the Sheriff's Department says the teen died as a result of a game of chicken.
"Graham was like the greatest guy," said Danielle Corbin, 16. "Graham was one of those kids that wanted to live forever."
Danielle said she was there when the accident happened and that no one was playing chicken. She said her friend hesitated when running across the tracks and then tried to run back just before he was hit.
Graham's friends described him Sunday as a tall, long-haired surfer and skater who made friends with everybody.
"He was funny," said Timothy Burke, 14. "He was a really good friend. He was always there for everyone if they needed him. He was always happy."
Brandon Wood, co-owner of Wisconsin Market, just west of the train tracks, said the teenagers regularly hang out further west down the street. Amir Kamali, manager of the Ocean 7 Foods Store across the street, said there typically are about a half dozen or so teenagers hanging out in the area, but that on Saturday night there were many more than that.
"They're not usually up by the tracks at all," Wood said.
Wood said he heard the train strike the boy.
"I was the first one out there and (someone else) checked his pulse," he said. "(The other kids) all ran down the street and were crying."
Kamali said he noticed the teenagers hanging out in front of the laundromat before the accident Saturday and then suddenly he heard the girls screaming.
Contact staff writer Yvette Urrea at (760) 901-4076 or yurrea@nctimes.com.
Duh, apparently not!
When I was a Marine stationed in Camp Pendleton, I use to walk those tracks all the time to get into Oceanside. Just past the base, the tracks went over a narrow bridge that led to the Marina just outside town. One time on that bridge, a train snuck up behind me and I had to climb over the railing and hang onto the outside of it as the train passed. Naturally, the train let off an ear-piercing horn blast that almost caused me to let go and fall into the water below. From that point on, I always ran over the bridge after making sure the coast was clear on both sides.
Uh huh. That sounds a little like "honestly officer...we weren't drag racing...that guy just crashed on his own"
What, no video? Teenage pranksters usually like to have video while they do real stupit stuff.
"Graham was LIKE the greatest guy."
( stupid, but "great")
Does this mean he's the winner? Or disqualified (out of bounds)?
There's the problem. Nobody expected an Amtrak train to be both timely and rather fast.
"[Chorus – Big & Rich]
I play chicken with the train play chicken with the train train, uh huh huh uh huh huh,
You know that I play chicken with the train play chicken with the train train uh huh huh uh huh huh yea,"
...SPLAT
I feel sorry for the engineer.
He will relive the few seconds when he saw that kid run in front of his train for the rest of his life.
And even though he was not at fault he will likely blame himself as well.
That is along the same lines as the guy who tried to swim across the English Channel, got 2/3 rds across and decided he couldn't make it so he turned around and swam back.
You know, it's funny, you would think that this Deguello/Radar guy would get passed the fact that it was an unfortunate decision that Graham made and look at the beauty that has been bestowed within the message God is trying get out to people.
Just enjoy life.
Graham was an amazing boy who loved animals and plants and had respect for every living thing possible. He truly would have changed the world for the better, and I believe he already has...
Whatever obnoxious retort you might have towards this message won't faze me or anyone, hopefully, at all. Because No matter what, Graham Suchman, Gray Ham, Graham Cracker, Golden Graham, Grahama is in everyone's hearts and prayers because he made a lot more positive decisions than negative.
Rest In Paradise, baby.
Sincerely Sonya
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