17-year-old hit, killed by train in Troutdale was Estacada School District student

TROUTDALE, Ore. (KATU) – The 17-year-old who was struck and killed by a train in Troutdale Saturday was a student in the Estacada School District, the district confirmed Monday morning.

A relative identified the teen as River Baker, a senior at the high school who was well known in the community.

In a post on Facebook, Estacada School District said, “On Saturday a young member of the Estacada community passed away. The Estacada School District's thoughts will continue to be with this family, and we offer our deepest condolences.”

Estacada School District said they’ll have staff available to support students at school. They’ll provide spaces and opportunities to talk, grieve, and meet with counseling staff.

“Providing support for our students and staff remains a top priority as our community experiences this loss,” the district said in the post.

Students told KATU News that teachers notified them of the teen’s death during their first classes. A sophomore said the school day was depressing. She said Baker was well known.

“He was super nice. If you needed help with something he would help you. He was always there for you even if he didn't know you,” the teen told KATU news.

On Sunday, a vigil was held for the 17-year-old at Estacada High School.

Multnomah County deputies responded to a report of a teenager who was hit and killed by a train at around 6 p.m. Saturday near the Historic Columbia River Highway and Graham Road.

First responders pronounced the 17-year-old dead at the scene. Law enforcement said that the teenager was taking senior portraits at the time.

A Union Pacific train was involved in the crash.

“We plead with parents, students and photographers to not take photos on or near the tracks,” said Union Pacific in a statement provided to KATU News.

The company said trains can take a mile to stop. It said crossing is only allowed at designated crossings where a street intersects with the tracks. Union Pacific said those locations are clearly marked.

On social media, several people have posted photos of themselves on the same train tracks near Troutdale.