New Jersey teen accidentally struck and killed by train; Community mourns beloved student-athlete

Terry Haupt, a 16‑year‑old Red Bank Regional High School student, died Wednesday morning after an NJ Transit train struck him at the Red Bank station. School officials said he was crossing the tracks on his way home from the YMCA.

Haupt, a sophomore and student‑athlete, died around 6:20 a.m. when the train struck him. The train left Long Branch at 6:08 a.m. and traveled toward New York Penn Station. None of the 55 passengers or crew members reported injuries.

The Asbury Park Press reported that Haupt wore headphones during the collision. The investigation remains open.

Terry Haupt Was A Beloved Student Athlete

Red Bank Regional Superintendent Louis Moore described to NJ.com the incident as accidental and said Haupt was a beloved student with many friends. He said the district kept classes and activities running to give students structure and stability.

Haupt played football and ran track at Red Bank Regional, Moore said. Before high school, he spent several years with Red Bank American Youth Football, the organization’s president told NJ.com.

In a Facebook post, the organization described him as “an incredible athlete, a loyal friend, and an all‑around remarkable human being.”

Community Grieves a Red Bank Regional Teen Terry Haupt Known for His Kindness

Red Bank Deputy Mayor Kate Triggiano said Haupt touched “an overwhelming number of lives” with his kindness. She said he was loved by “his family, his peers, his teammates, his coaches, his neighbors, his classmates, his teachers—everyone.”

Hundreds of friends, classmates, and neighbors gathered Wednesday evening at a park near his home to mourn, according to Red Bank Green. A memorial of flowers and candles also grew at the train station.

Fundraiser Surpasses $19,000

A community fundraiser through the RedBankBucs Venmo aaweccount raised about $19,000 as of Friday, according to NJ.com.

To learn how to assist the family of Terry Haupt with funeral expenses, contact

•  RedBankBucs via the Red Bank AYF AYC.