14-year-old fatally struck by TRAX train in Sandy was on way to school

The Utah Transit Authority on Wednesday identified the child struck and killed by a TRAX train in Sandy early Monday as 14-year-old Patrick Lawrence.

Patrick, a student at the nearby Jordan High School, was with his bicycle when he went beneath a railroad crossing gate near 8751 South and 160 East at about 7:30 a.m. that day and was hit, UTA spokesperson Carl Arky said.

Before impact, two trains traveling in opposite directions were passing through the crossing, according to Arky, and the child must not have seen the southbound train when he decided to cross. Arky called the boy’s death a “tragedy.”

A GoFundMe page created for the boy’s family referred to him as L.P., for “little Patrick,” and indicated that he was on his way to school when he was fatally struck.

Jordan High principal Bruce Eschler sent a letter to students and their guardians earlier this week confirming that a student had died. The letter noted that counseling was available to grieving students and outlined ways that parents can identify if their child is struggling.

“Unexpected events like death can be difficult and, like adults, children express emotions by grieving, Eschler wrote. “Yet, our students may not demonstrate grief in the same manner.”

Lawrence’s parents are accepting donations to help cover funeral costs and time off from their jobs, according to the GoFundMe page, which had raised more than $3,300 as of Wednesday afternoon. Patrick was their youngest son, the page states.