Moore County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the death of a Vass teenager that was struck and killed by a train Sunday.

Emergency crews responded to the intersection of U.S. Highway 1 and Camp Easter Road outside of Vass around 12:40 p.m.

A CSX freight train traveling northbound struck and killed James Alan Starling, 18, as he was sitting on the tracks about a half-mile from the crossing gate. Reportedly, the victim was sitting facing away from the train. There was a bicycle also on the tracks near the man. The train had just come around a corner when they saw him and were unable to stop in time.

Initial reports were that a homeless man that stays nearby was the victim.

A medical examiner was on the scene as well as the Moore County Sheriff’s Department.  Investigators from the railroad were also on scene.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

Sandhills_Sentinel~Written by Sandhills Sentinel Publisher B.J. Goodridge.