Dylan Faulkner, 19, Fatally Struck by NJ Transit Train Near Summit Station: A Community Mourns the Loss of a Young Life Filled With Promise
Dylan Faulkner, 19, Fatally Struck by NJ Transit Train Near Summit Station: A Community Mourns the Loss of a Young Life Filled With Promise
Dylan Faulkner was just 19 years old when his life was tragically cut short. In the quiet, early morning hours of May 5, 2025, he was found lying lifeless on the tracks near Summit Station, a major NJ Transit hub in Summit, New Jersey. At approximately 1:28 a.m., a train traveling from New York Penn Station en route to Dover struck Dylan near the intersection of Broad and Elm Streets. His sudden death has sent shockwaves through his hometown, the local high school community, and all who knew the young athlete whose future once brimmed with potential.
A Promising Young Life
Dylan Faulkner had graduated just the previous summer from Summit High School. A well-regarded student and a proud member of the school’s varsity lacrosse team, he was known for his determination, warmth, and loyalty to his teammates. On the field, Dylan was fierce yet focused—a defensive midfielder whose discipline and agility had caught the attention of college recruiters. Off the field, he was quiet, thoughtful, and carried a calm demeanor that made him both approachable and respected by peers and teachers alike.
According to friends, Dylan had been exploring options for college or trade school, and was recently working part-time at a local community center. “He had this way of making people feel calm just by being around,” said Rachel Kim, a classmate and friend. “He listened more than he talked, and when he did speak, you knew it came from a place of heart.”
The Incident
According to NJ Transit officials, the train that struck Dylan was carrying approximately 50 passengers. Thankfully, none were physically injured in the incident. The collision occurred in a section of track just outside Summit Station, where visibility for both train operators and pedestrians can be limited, particularly during low-light conditions.
The location of the incident—near Broad and Elm Streets—is known to locals as a transitional area between the commercial downtown and residential neighborhoods. The area is not intended for pedestrian use, especially not on or near the tracks themselves. It remains unclear why Dylan was there at that hour. Authorities have confirmed that he was not authorized to be on the railway, and foul play has not been ruled out, though there is no evidence yet to suggest criminal involvement.
The NJ Transit Police Department is leading the investigation, with cooperation from local Summit authorities and county forensic teams. Surveillance footage from the station and surrounding businesses is being reviewed to piece together Dylan’s final movements.
The Human Toll
As news of Dylan’s death spread, the community began to mourn deeply. Summit High School opened its doors to grieving students, providing counselors and organizing an impromptu vigil. By the afternoon, dozens of candles, handwritten letters, and lacrosse sticks had been placed near the edge of the school’s athletic field. Former coaches, teachers, and teammates gathered not just to remember Dylan, but to comfort one another in the wake of such an unexpected tragedy.
His lacrosse coach, Thomas Garvey, held back tears as he addressed local media. “He was a quiet leader. He never asked for attention, but when we needed someone to anchor us, Dylan was there. He didn’t deserve this.”
Parents from the Summit community spoke to the pressing need for continued mental health support and youth outreach, particularly for recent graduates transitioning into adulthood—often a time of isolation and pressure. Dylan’s parents have not released a public statement, but close friends of the family described them as “devastated beyond words.”
Train Safety and Public Response
The incident has also reignited conversations around train safety and pedestrian awareness. Summit Station, part of NJ Transit’s Morris & Essex Line, is one of the region’s busiest mid-size commuter hubs. The station’s design includes underpasses and stairways, but access to the tracks themselves is clearly marked as restricted. Despite this, there have been past incidents—albeit rare—of individuals found on or near the tracks, sometimes accidentally and other times under distress.
Transit advocates have called for increased signage, better lighting in poorly visible areas near the tracks, and more robust fencing where possible. While NJ Transit officials confirmed that the train operator followed all standard safety protocols and attempted to stop, there was no time to avoid impact.
“In incidents like these, train crews carry trauma as well,” said Anne-Marie Cortes, a representative from the transit workers’ union. “Operators are trained to scan the tracks, but at high speeds and during dark hours, there’s often very little they can do when someone is on the rails unexpectedly.”
Ongoing Investigation
As the NJ Transit police continue their investigation, key questions remain: Was Dylan attempting to cross the tracks? Was he waiting for someone, or had he been in distress? Toxicology results and phone records may offer additional insight in the coming weeks, but officials caution that drawing conclusions prematurely could be harmful and speculative.
NJ Transit released a statement expressing its condolences to Dylan’s family and reiterating its commitment to safety and transparency during the investigation. “Our hearts are with the family of Dylan Faulkner,” the statement read. “We are working with law enforcement to understand how this tragedy occurred and how to prevent future loss.”
A Community Reflects
In the days following Dylan’s passing, community members have turned grief into action. Students have organized mental health awareness drives and candlelight memorials. A GoFundMe campaign established by friends of the family quickly surpassed its goal, with donations pouring in from classmates, former teachers, and even strangers who were touched by Dylan’s story.
A mural is being planned near the Summit High School athletic field—a space Dylan had once dominated in game after game, now repurposed as a place of quiet reflection and remembrance. The Summit Board of Education announced plans to honor Dylan during the next school board meeting, recognizing both his academic and athletic contributions to the community.
The Bigger Picture
Dylan Faulkner’s tragic death is not just an isolated incident—it reflects a broader issue affecting young people across the country. According to the Federal Railroad Administration, nearly 500 people are killed annually in trespassing incidents on railroad tracks in the United States. Many are young adults or teens who, like Dylan, may find themselves in dangerous situations late at night, often without fully understanding the risks involved.
Safety campaigns continue to emphasize that train tracks are not walkways, shortcuts, or recreational areas. Trains can take over a mile to stop, and the silence of an approaching train—especially electric-powered ones—can be deceivingly deadly. The need for education, awareness, and support structures has never been more critical.
In Loving Memory
Dylan Faulkner, 19 years old, was more than a victim of tragic circumstances. He was a son, a teammate, a student, and a friend. His passing leaves behind not only a grieving family but a shaken community that must now grapple with the realities of loss, safety, and healing.
As we await more information, one truth remains clear: Dylan’s life, though short, touched many. And it is now up to those he left behind to ensure his memory becomes a catalyst for care, reflection, and change.