Sixteen-year-old Jacqueline Vincent, of Garden City, was walking with two friends in the early morning hours of Friday, June 22 when she tripped and fell on the electrified third rail while crossing the tracks at South and West Cherry Valley Avenues.

According to Third Squad detectives, Vincent was electrocuted. Police responded and performed first aid at the scene. Vincent was then transported to Winthrop-University Hospital where hospital staff pronounced her dead at 1:05 a.m. Third Squad and Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) officials are currently investigating the incident.

News spread quickly of the tragic accident, which took place during the early morning hours of Vincent's last day of school before summer break and just days before Garden City High School's graduation.

The high school's flag flapped at half-mast during the June 24 commencement ceremonies as several speakers made mention of the tragedy, including Senator Kemp Hannon. It became a day of celebration and remembrance for the school community.

Classmates in need of help during this grieving process can call the district's counseling center (478-2012). Further, there is a social worker and psychologist on staff to help as well. The district's website also contains a link for parents, offering suggestions on how they can help their child(ren) react to a trauma such as this.

Visitation for Vincent was Monday and Tuesday at Fairchild Sons Funeral Home. A funeral Mass is being offered at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 27, at St. Joseph's Church, located at 120 5th Street.