Rutgers University student from Rockaway Twp. hit, killed by train

A Rutgers University first-year student from Rockaway Township was pronounced dead after he was struck by an Amtrak train on Saturday.

Kenneth Patterson will be missed by the university community, said school officials. 

“During his brief time at Rutgers, Kenneth made an impact on the community in his residence hall and was active with the university’s club lacrosse team,” said Deba Dutta, chancellor at Rutgers in New Brunswick.

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“At approximately 4 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9, Northeast Regional Train 65 originating from Boston, towards Norfolk, Va. came into contact with an individual on the tracks near New Brunswick, New Jersey,” said Jason Abrams of Amtrak’s corporate communications.

The individual was later identified as Patterson.

Years prior, Patterson attended Rockaway Township’s Copeland Middle School.

Dr. Greg McGann, superintendent of the Rockaway Township School District called his death a “tragedy,” especially because Patterson was “so young.”

Abrams said the accident is under investigation, but he would not comment further .

There were no other injuries to crew or passengers, Abrams said. 

Dutta said Rutgers counselors are available to students for grief counseling or “general support.”

Students may call at 848-932-7884 for more information about resources available to them. They can also reach out to the following for help at the the dean’s office, 848-932-2300, Multifaith Council, 848-932-5500, Crisis Text Line: Text KNIGHTS to 741-741 anytime or call NJ Hopeline at 1-855-654-6735.

“The holiday season is a period that should be filled with reunions with loved ones, so please keep Kenneth’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers in the coming days and weeks,” said Dutta. 

Email: myers@northjersey.com