Family members of Cook County teen killed by train speak out

COOK CO., GA (WALB) - A Cook County mother issues an emotional warning after her son was hit and killed by a train.

Jacob Fisher just turned 19 a few weeks ago and was about to embark on a new journey in life. His family wants to know whether negligence played a part in his death on Wednesday.

"He had so much that he was looking forward too," said Beth Hartlaub, Mother.

Beth Hartlaub is grieving the loss of her 19-year-old son Jacob Fisher. Fisher is a recent high school graduate who was headed to joining the Marines.

"He had so many plans and his heart was so big," said Hartlaub.

Hartlaub didn't know that Wednesday would be the last day she would see her son. Just after 5 o'clock, Jacob was wearing headphones as he walked along the railroad tracks in Cecil to a friend's house.
 
"He walks the tracks and he does it all the time," said Hartlaub.

He was hit by an oncoming train just 100 feet from his destination.

"This time he didn't hear the train," said Hartlaub.

Family members say witnesses told them the train's whistle never blew.

"Witnesses told us that at no point in time did they hear the horn blow," said Hartlaub. "So he didn't even know it was there.""

Jacob's family has set up a memorial on the mantelpiece inside his home. They're encouraging young people to stay off railroad tracks and to be more aware of their surroundings.

"The earbuds in your earphones, take them off," said Cathy Holt, Grandmother.

"You don't want to be in an area where you can't hear what's going on around you," said Hartlaub.

Jacob's grandmother hopes this tragedy will prevent others.

"If this can save one child then my grandson's death mean something," said Holt. "It has to mean something."

We are still waiting on more details from the Georgia State Patrol which is investigating the accident.

The family will hold a candlelight vigil for Jacob on Saturday night at 9 near the tracks where he was killed. They've also set up a gofundme account for his funeral expenses. You can donate by clicking here.

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