SILVANA – A Snohomish-area teen was struck and killed by a northbound freight train near Arlington, while two of her friends escaped unharmed.

The girl was later identified at Kristi Bartz, 17, a standout in track at Archbishop Murphy High School in Everett. She excelled at running and had signed to compete in track and cross country at the University of British Columbia next year. She also played soccer.

At approximately 3:15 p.m. May 9, the 17-year-old girl was killed on a BNSF train trestle over the Stillaguamish River near Arlington. The girl was with two of her friends at a popular swimming area near the tracks near Silvana. The three teens went onto the trestle.

The victim’s male friend jumped from the trestle into the water before the train arrived. The two girls were on the trestle as the train approached and attempted to get off one end. The victim’s female friend was able to get to one side of the trestle as the train passed but the victim was not able to get out of the way.

Detectives from the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office responded and are investigating.