Driver Killed in Vehicle Train Strike Identified as 19-Year-Old Point Pleasant Woman

The driver who died after her vehicle was struck by a train Saturday night in Spring Lake has been identified as Lily Seegobin, a 19-year-old resident of Point Pleasant Borough.

Dan Stessel, a spokesperson for NJ Transit, confirmed that at 9:35 p.m. the 2004 black Honda CR-V driven by Seegobin was struck at the Monmouth Avenue crossing.

Stessel confirmed earlier witness reports that the railroad gates were in the down position and all signaling lights were functioning when Seegobin attempted to swerve around the gates to cross the tracks.

Seegobin graduated last June from Point Pleasant Borough High School and was attending Rutgers University's Business School.

Alyssa Eitelberg, of Point Pleasant, said in an email that she had been best friends with Seegobin when she first moved to the borough as a second-grader and was shocked by the tragic news.

"She was an amazing and beautiful person inside and out," she wrote. "Her smile could brighten anyone's day.

"We had so many good times together as elementary students and middle school students," she continued. "She was such a smart and driven girl. Heaven received such a beautiful angel."

Peter Long, who graduated with her, said, "She was a very warm, caring person. She always wanted to help people out.

"It's really sad," he continued. "Everyone in our class was really tight. Everyone liked each other. It's just so sad to see this happen to someone in our class."

Long said he remembers Seegobin being in chorus as a high school freshman, but doesn't remember her involved in other extra-curricular activities.

"I just remember she had a lot of great friends," he said.

High School Principal Linda Rocco said, "Our heart goes out to her family and friends."

Schools Superintendent Vincent Smith said, "Our district extends our deepest sympathies to Miss Seegobin's family and friends."

The school officials said they would talk to guidance counselors on Monday to see if any students needed their services.

Last Friday, a 17-year-old Long Branch resident was struck and killed by a NJ Transit train near Chelsea Avenue in Long Branch. Days later, a 15-year-old Long Branch boy was injured when he was struck by a train while walking on NJ Transit tracks near Long Branch's Cedar Avenue.

Seegobin's Honda was struck by North Jersey Coastline Train 4772 which was traveling north from Bay Head towards Long Branch.

Seegobin died instantly and was alone in the vehicle, authorities said.

The incident is now being investigated by NJTransit with assistance from the Spring Lake Police Department. 

Marc Lemieux, Director of Major Crimes for the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office, confirmed that the Monmouth County Medical Examiner's Office will perform the autopsy and that the investigation is ongoing.

Six people have now died on the North Jersey Coast Line tracks since 2008.