A 17-year-old track star and top student was tragically killed over the weekend after being struck by a train in an accident that sadly was highly preventable.

On Saturday afternoon a group of teenagers headed out to a popular swimming spot near Silvana, Washington.

Local residents said teens frequently stroll along the railway tracks to get to a spot along a bridge from which they can leap into the river below.

But at around 3 p.m. a freight train began to approach the trestle the teenagers were walking along.

One boy was able to leap from the bridge into the river below, while two girls were able to tuck themselves into a spot along the side of the bridge and avoid the train. Kristi Bartz, however, was unable to escape and was struck by the train as it traveled at 40 mph.

The train crew attempted CPR, but Kristi died at the scene. Kristi Bartz had a promising career as an athlete and obviously, she should of had a long and wonderful life in front of her.

Condolences to her family, and we sincerely hope to never have to do a story about a person killed while walking on train tracks again.

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