By Sunayana Prabhu
RED BANK – A petition urging state officials to prioritize public safety at all New Jersey railway intersections following the May 13 death of a teen has gained more than 1,675 supporters on change.org.
Terry Haupt Jr., a 16-year-old student-athlete at Red Bank Regional High School, was fatally struck by a New Jersey Transit train while crossing the tracks near Chestnut Street, near the Red Bank train station. The incident is currently under investigation by NJ Transit and no update has been provided by officials as yet.
Jazmin Edwards, Terry’s mother, told The Two River Times during a memorial held in the teen’s honor at Count Basie Park May 16, that her son was following a familiar route home from the YMCA when he was struck by the train.
The tragedy has amplified concerns beyond Red Bank for enhanced public safety at railway intersections.
The petition, launched May 21 on change.org by Neptune resident and community activist Jeffry Lucien, calls upon officials of New Jersey Transit’s Agency Safety Management (ASM) department and the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) to install high-intensity, anti-collision lights at all railway intersections in New Jersey. “These lights, coupled with advanced warning systems, can significantly enhance visibility and serve as a crucial deterrent against future accidents involving trains, vehicles, and pedestrians,” the petition reads.
Red Bank residents have also called for additional safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
“Kids will find shortcuts and faster ways everywhere,” resident Eva Garcia, a student at Rutgers University, wrote in a letter read by her mother, Jennifer Garcia, a Red Bank Board of Education member, at the May 14 Red Bank Borough Council meeting. Eva proposed closing off access to the train tracks by fixing broken fences, blocking openings, adding more warning signs and increasing enforcement along the tracks. She also called for better safety education in schools, including talks from police officers on the dangers of trains.
The “only solution to these problems is zero access for anyone to be able to walk on the tracks,” Ava’s letter said. “It’s a massive shame that Terry’s family, friends and community have to mourn Terry so soon.”
During the meeting, Mayor Billy Portman said he is in discussions with NJ Transit about enhancing safety measures to prevent repeat incidents.
The online petition recommends equipping all railroad intersections with high-intensity warning systems “to prevent more tragic incidents like the one that claimed Terry’s life. It is imperative that safety measures evolve with technological advancements to avert such devastating events,” the petition reads. “Honoring Terry’s memory by committing to improved railway safety can ensure that his death was not in vain. Let his story be a catalyst for change, propelling us to build safer communities.”
In addition to the calls for public safety reform, there has been an outpouring of community support for the family.
Red Bank American Youth Football & Cheer (RBAYFC), a community-driven league where Terry played football, hosted the memorial in his honor at Count Basie Park, where more than 200 people, including friends and family, gathered. The RBAYFC is also raising funds to help the family cover funeral expenses.
A viewing and celebration of life service was held May 29 at Pilgrim Baptist Church. A second viewing was held May 30 at Tower Hill Church, following a celebration of life service.
The article originally appeared in the June 11 – 17, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
