Hundreds attend vigil for 2 young boys killed by passing train in Delaware County
"It's like my heart's completely broken," said a family member.
CHESTER, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- Hundreds attended a vigil on Friday night to honor and remember the two children who were struck and killed by an Amtrak train in Chester, Delaware County.
Police say 9-year-old Jahaad Atkinson and 12-year-old Ahyir Womak were playing on the train tracks on Saturday when they were hit.
READ | Victims hit, killed by Amtrak train in Chester were 9 and 12 years old
The community has been in deep mourning since the incident occurred.
This time is especially hard on the boys' family members.
"I've already lost a lot, a lot. My brother, it hurt. It's like my heart's completely broken," said Aihyana Womack, Ahyir's sister.
"He'd come over my house, used to play video games, (I'd) make food for him. I wasn't expecting this," added Jamar Atkinson, Jahaad's uncle.
Everyone in the community is still trying to process the immense grief.
But friends, family, and supporters are finding strength in numbers.
The candlelight vigil was held at Chester's Memorial Park at 7 p.m., and the crowd that gathered there was huge.
Officials also said that park is close to where the two boys were playing when they were struck by the train.
On Friday, Amtrak police were seen fencing off the area.
"This is a park. I think that kids should be safe within the park, whether that's us putting more gates around," commented Nasir Leach, a youth advocate.
Jahaad's aunt, Linda Jackson, led the vigil with a powerful message about prayer and faith.
"My nephew didn't reach the age of 12, so his spirit, his soul is resting in God's hands. He is an angel that will watch over his siblings. That's what I believe," said Jackson.
