NORTH BRUNSWICK – The entire North Brunswick community is mourning the loss of a student who would have entered his senior year in September.
Ibrahim Kargbo, 17, came into contact with Amtrak Northeast Regional Train 141 around 10:22 a.m. July 14, according to Kimberly Woods, Amtrak Media Relations, in an area 12 miles west of the Metro Park Station.
“Everyone I’ve run into … when you mention his name, the first thing they said was, ‘He’s a great kid.’ He was very much liked. He was a good kid. A hard working kid,” School Superintendent Brian Zychowski said. “This is a tragedy of epic proportions. The district is in mourning and shock. It’s hard to make sense of the loss of such a vibrant person and a likeable person.”
Ibrahim had competed in the dash, hurdle and triple jump for the North Brunswick Township High School (NBTHS) track and field team. He was also a soccer player.
His friends and teammates held a vigil in his honor on July 17 at the high school.
John Viotto, NBTHS Social Studies teacher and men’s indoor track coach, also has started a GoFundMe page in Ibrahim’s honor. The funds will assist Ibrahim’s family while also establishing a scholarship in his name to award to an athlete who exhibits Ibrahim’s qualities, according to a message on the site.
As of press time, almost $11,000 had been raised.
Earlier on July 17, members of the district’s Crisis Response Team and school counselors were available at NBTHS to provide support, Zychowski said.
“We are deeply saddened by this loss and have our crisis management procedures in place to help children, staff and members of the community with their reactions to this tragedy,” Zychowski said.
“Your child may have some thoughts and feelings that he/she would like to discuss with you about the loss. You can help your child by listening carefully, accepting his/her feelings and answering questions honestly according to your beliefs,” he said.
For further assistance, call 732-289-3700 ext. 73002, 73021 or 73014.
At the time of the incident, 427 passengers were on the train, according to Woods. There were no reported injuries to passengers or crew members. Service on the train was temporarily suspended, and then passengers were transferred to a NJ Transit train and traveled to Trenton. At Trenton, passengers boarded other Amtrak trains in order to continue their travels, she said.
The train originated in Springfield, Massachusetts, and was heading to Washington, D.C.
The incident is under investigation, according to Woods.