The Clay County Sheriff's Office says Whiddon was fishing off a railroad track trussle on County Road 220 near Doctors Inlet with two teammates around 8 p.m. when a passing freight train hit the teenager.

Police are still investigating if the rail road crossing's signals worked and if any no tresspassing signs were posted."He was just a great kid," Fleming Island football coach Neal Chipoletti said, still shaking from learning the news of the All-Conference linebacker. "Just this week I was showing his highlight film to college coaches, trying to get him ready to play football in college."

Many students were seen on the Fleming Island High School campus clutching one and another and crying. Grief counselors are offering assistance.

"It's devestating," Principal Sam Ward told reporters at the steps of the high school. Ward describes Whiddon as a popular campus leader who not only excelled at sports, but was involved in several activities. "He was at everything. He went to all the basketball games and baseball games and different things."

Wesley Whiddon's mother, Angela Whiddon, is the principal at W.E. Cherry Elementary School. His father is a Green Cove Springs police officer, according to school officials.

The two other students fishing with Whiddon did not suffer serious injuries.