Brandon High School Student Dies After Being Struck by Train

BRANDON — A 17-year-old Brandon High School student who was struck by a CSX train has died, according to authorities. The teen died on January 9, 2026.

Deputies responded at 8:23 a.m. on January 8, 2026, to the railroad tracks near Lakewood Drive in Brandon after receiving reports of a person struck by a train. They located the teenager at the scene and transported him to Tampa General Hospital in critical condition.

Investigators said the student was walking on the tracks toward Brandon High School when a train approached from behind and struck him as he attempted to jump out of the way.

Deputies found a pair of headphones near the victim. Dense fog was reported in the area at the time of the incident.

The investigation remains active.