Police were called to the CSX tracks at Neil Road and Welsh Road around midnight Tuesday morning.
The preliminary investigation indicates that the train operator was traveling northbound at a normal operating speed amid dark conditions, creating limited visibility, when he saw the teen walking southbound on the railroad tracks.
The conductor immediately initiated emergency braking in an attempt to avoid a collision but was unable to stop the train before striking the teen.
The victim died at the scene.
Police say he was a 15-year-old who was reported missing on Sunday but did not release his name.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.