BRANDON, Fla. — UPDATE:

The mother of a teenager who was hit and killed by a train Thursday morning released a statement late Saturday night.

I, Jewell McMillan, the mother of Jamar Bond, am speaking out to bring awareness to who my son was and to seek answers and clarity about what truly happened to him.

On the morning of January 8, my life was forever changed when a detective came to my home and told me my son had been in an accident. I never imagined that conversation would end with me losing my baby.

My only son, Jamar Bond, was struck by a train and later pronounced deceased at the hospital. He was just 17 years old and was eagerly looking forward to turning 18 on July 8. Jamar was a student at Brandon High School, and our conversations were filled with talk of his upcoming graduation and the future he was so excited about.

As a mother, I am still hoping for answers and clarity regarding the circumstances surrounding my son’s death. Jamar was more than a headline — he was a son, a friend, a student, and a young man with dreams and a future ahead of him.

A press conference will be held on Sunday, Jan. 11, as McMillan seeks further clarity on the situation.

A teenage student hit by a train on Thursday morning in Brandon has died, according to Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO).

The incident happened just after 8 a.m. Jan. 8, when a CSX train struck the teen pedestrian on the tracks located between Lakewood Drive and Limona Road in Brandon, according to officials.

During the investigation, deputies learned the teenager was walking on the tracks toward Brandon High School, when a train came from behind and struck him as he attempted to jump out of the way.

Deputies found a pair of headphones near the victim but were still trying to determine how the accident occurred.

Dense fog was observed in the area at the time of the accident.

HCSO and Hillsborough County Fire Rescue responded to the scene.

This remains an active investigation.

New mental health programs making an impact in Florida

Florida Behavioral Health Association’s Scott Burgess shared with Tampa Bay 28 Anchor Wendy Ryan the successes of new initiatives being tested across Florida.

Florida Behavioral Health Association Chairman discusses success of new mental health programs