In September 2015, a tragic incident occurred during a photography class project involving John DeReggi, his girlfriend, and her twin sister. These 16-year-olds were at a rural Maryland railroad track to capture photos for a project themed ‘youth and the pathway yet to come’. During the photoshoot, John was playfully dancing on the rails while his girlfriend’s sister snapped pictures.
Unexpectedly, an Amtrak train approached at over 70mph, catching the group off guard. The force of the train’s wind pushed the girls back, but John was tragically struck by the train as he attempted to jump clear of its path.
Christine DeReggi, John’s mother, shared with ABC News: “He loved a thrill. He wasn’t reckless but he definitely loved adventure. He loved to laugh. He loved to be a little bit scared.” She learned of her son’s death through his devastated girlfriend who witnessed the accident.
Reflecting on the incident, Christine added: “They just escaped. I mean, it was almost a triple tragedy… they saw it and it happened so quick they almost got sucked in. That’s how close they were. The train apparently is much wider than the tracks, and I don’t know how far he jumped to try and clear it but he didn’t clear it.”
Christine remarked on the photos taken shortly before John’s death, describing them as beautiful moments where he seemed at peace and happy.
This heartbreaking event was not isolated. In 2011, a similar tragedy occurred involving three teenagers. Savannah Webster, 13, joined her sister Kelsea, 15, and their friend Essa Ricker, 15, at the Covered Bridge Canyon train crossing in Utah’s Spanish Fork Canyon. They intended to take a photo with a train passing in front of them but were unaware of a second train approaching from behind.
A poignant photograph captured the three girls taking a selfie, standing slightly off the tracks but not enough to avoid the oncoming train traveling at about 39mph.
For those who have experienced a bereavement and wish to talk confidentially, The Compassionate Friends can be reached at (877) 969-0010.