Claremore Teen Killed Crossing Railroad Tracks Identified

Claremore police say two teenage boys on skateboards were trying to beat the train at a downtown railroad crossing. One boy did not make it.

Monday, April 16th 2012, 7:58 am

By: News On 6


A 16-year-old boy is dead after being hit by a train in downtown Claremore late Sunday night. Christian Brashar was a ninth grader at Claremore High School.

It happened at about 9 p.m. at a crossing at 7th and Missouri. Assistant Police Chief Charles Downum told News On 6 the teen lived near the tracks.  

"He was close to home," Downum said.

Police say Brashar and an 18-year-old friend were trying to beat the train on skateboards. Police say the 18-year-old made it across the tracks on his skateboard, but Brashar was hit as he ran with his skateboard to keep up.

"Everybody was crying. At first I didn't want to believe it. Naw he isn't dead. Nothing is going to happen," victim's brother Shakeyl Davis said.

Stunned family, friends and classmates came to the tracks to remember the teen.

"We were more than friends. I thought of him as family," friend Jeremy Mills said.

"He was always sweet and respectful to me. He was kind of quiet. It's just so hard to believe that he's gone. It really is," Karen Anderson said.

Friends say Brashar loved to skateboard and listen to music. Brashar's older sister ShanTyel says her family is devastated.

"They are taking it pretty hard. I know it's a sad event. But I always try to be the strong one for my family," ShanTyel said.

ShanTyel says she hopes her brother knows how much he was loved.

"Don't walk away from anyone you care about mad, no matter how mad you are because you never know what's going to happen the next minute," ShanTyel said.

And that one day, she hopes she'll understand.

"I've always said things happen for a reason. I'm never going to figure out the reason God took him. But there's a reason. Maybe when he takes me I'll find out," she said.

Police say the railroad tracks are busy. They see roughly 24 trains a day. Police warn that it is trespassing to be on the property on the tracks.

The superintendent for Claremore High School says counselors are available for students.

A family member is having a bake sale Tuesday to help the family pay for funeral costs. For more information, call 918-951-220, or go to the Facebook page.

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