A 14-year-old boy died after he was struck by a monorail in Seattle, Washington on July 30.
Xavier Gayton, visiting from Arizona, had accessed a building roof near the monorail tracks to engage in graffiti art.
Xavier’s mother, Allison Gardner, conveyed her sorrow and surprise in a media interview. She mentioned Xavier’s artistic inclinations and the fact that he had moved to Arizona with her nine years earlier. He was back in Seattle for a summer visit with relatives and friends.
A GoFundMe initiative in Xavier’s honor has garnered approximately $9,000.
The hazards and legal implications of graffiti are well-documented, but some teenagers may not heed these warnings. Efforts by the Seattle Fire Department to rescue Xavier were unsuccessful. Video footage of Xavier’s graffiti actions has been obtained by the police.
In response to the incident, the Seattle Center Monorail emphasized their safety protocols and pledged to assist in the investigation.