Teen's train death devastates family

COMSTOCK TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) - The family of an active high school student killed by a train Tuesday is devastated by what they call "a horrible accident." And grief counselors are at the Galesburg-Augusta schools to help students deal with the death of Alan Eaton-Chandler.

The student at Galesburg-Augusta High School got off his school bus just before 4 p.m. in the 8000 block of K Avenue in Comstock Township. His normal bus stop was on East Michigan Avenue (M-96) and authorities don't know why he got off at the different stop.

After getting off the bus Eaton-Chandler walked across an open field toward his home on East Michigan Avenue. He entered the railroad right-of-way and was walking with his back to the train possibly wearing headphones, according to witnesses.

His parents told 24 Hour News 8 high school students are allowed to get off the bus at an earlier stop if they want to. They suspect he just got off early and walked across the field that was near his home.

24 Hour News 8 spoke with Eaton-Chandler's uncle, who said the family believes this is "a horrible accident," and that they are "devastated." He described his nephew as being extremely active in high school sports, especially football.

The family said he was wearing headphones and may not have been able to hear the oncoming train, and simply walked across the tracks at the wrong moment.

School superintendent Doug Newington told 24 Hour News 8 the counselors are from Kalamazoo County and other local school dristicts. Newington also said they will conduct their own investigation.

Kelli Frazier, a family friend of the Eaton-Chandler's, says fund has been set up to help the family with funeral expenses.

Donations can be sent to:
Alan Michael Eaton-Chandler Fund
1st Community Federal Credit Union
550 S. Riverview Drive
Parchment MI 49004