This very sad story has some macabre features that raise it out of the ordinary. We all read about drivers who make bad decisions at grade crossings; less common are drivers who go on to the crossing with suicidal intent. Here we have kids who did something that they must, on some level, have seen was very risky, but they're young, they are going to live forever. A particular tribute to the brave young lady who lost her life to save her friend.

Then we are told, "The parents knew about the game, but did not condone it." Did not condone it? Any child of mine who gets involved in this game is grounded for the entire summer, assuming the child is still alive. In fairness, the story was written in haste and the reporter did not have a chance to talk to the parents and try to flesh it out; maybe there's more to it.

Then we are told the idea came from a web site that gives directions to the railroad crossing. Hello, webmaster? Can you tell us what you think you're doing? Again, I haven't located the site and have no plans to look for it. Unfortunately, Union Pacific probably can't sue the creator of the site.