The Summit community is reeling from the tragic death of 19-year-old Dylan Faulkner, who was fatally struck by an NJ Transit train near Summit Station early Tuesday morning. Authorities confirmed the identity of the victim following the incident, which occurred around 1:28 a.m. on May 27.
According to NJ Transit officials, Faulkner was struck by Morris & Essex Line train 6907, which had departed from New York Penn Station at 12:34 a.m. and was en route to Dover, with an expected arrival time of 2:13 a.m.
The train incident brought operations to a temporary halt and caused disruption along the line, but the news of the young man’s death cast a far deeper shadow over the community.
Faulkner was a recent graduate of Summit High School, having completed his studies just earlier this year as part of the Class of 2024. During his time at the school, he was a dedicated athlete, proudly representing Summit in both lacrosse and soccer. His coaches and teammates remembered him as a hard-working, kind-hearted young man with a bright future ahead.
Summit Mayor Elizabeth Fagan, MD, expressed the community’s sorrow in a public statement provided to TAPinto Summit. “We give our sincere condolences to the family. Our community is grieving this loss,” she said. “It is a tragedy that affects all of us.”
Friends and classmates have taken to social media to express their shock and sadness, remembering Dylan as someone with a good sense of humor, an easy smile, and a warm presence. Teachers and mentors at Summit High School described him as a respectful and driven student, someone who showed leadership on and off the field.
Counselors have been made available at Summit High School to provide support for students and staff in the wake of the news. School administrators said they are working closely with local mental health professionals to help students cope with the emotional impact of the tragedy.
The school plans to hold a memorial event in Dylan’s honor in the coming days, allowing friends, teammates, and classmates the chance to pay their respects and celebrate his life.
While NJ Transit and local authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, there are currently no indications of foul play. Officials have not yet disclosed whether surveillance footage or witness testimony has provided further clarity on what led up to the fatal incident.
As the Summit community begins to process this heartbreaking loss, residents are rallying around the Faulkner family, offering support, meals, and donations. Several community members have mentioned organizing a fundraiser to support the family with funeral expenses and to create a scholarship fund in Dylan’s name.
“Dylan was the kind of kid who brought people together,” one friend shared. “Whether it was on the soccer field, at practice, or just hanging out after school, he had a way of making people feel like they mattered. It’s hard to believe he’s gone.”
This tragic event serves as a painful reminder of how fragile life can be, especially for young people standing on the brink of adulthood. Dylan Faulkner’s life, though cut tragically short, left a mark on those who knew him—a legacy of sportsmanship, friendship, and community spirit.
The Faulkner family has requested privacy as they grieve, but they have expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support they’ve received. Details regarding funeral services and memorial events are expected to be shared in the coming days.
Dylan will be remembered not only as a talented athlete and student but as a beloved son, friend, and teammate whose spirit will remain in the hearts of the Summit community.
