Family identifies teens killed by LRT train

 

Delia Papastesis and Jamie Kootenay are shown in a provided image.

Family members are identifying the two teens killed by an LRT train as Jamie Kootenay and Delia Papastesis.


Investigators say a group of six young adults were walking east of the marked LRT crossing at 82 Street and 113 Avenue at 8:15 p.m. on Tuesday, when two people who were stopped on the tracks were struck by a northbound LRT train.


Nineteen-year-old Jamie died at the scene. And his 19-year-old girlfriend, Delia was taken to hospital but later died of her injuries.


"I saw her yesterday -- we saw both of them yesterday," said Delia's sister Janice Randhile.


"All I know is she got hit by a train and I don't know why," she added.


Jamie's grandfather told CTV News his grandson was a good boy who was very respectful.


One witness who did not want to appear on camera for CTV says it appeared the couple was fighting.

She said she saw a woman being held down on the tracks by a man who had laid on top of her.


The witness said she yelled at the couple to move as the LRT train approached. She revealed that the bell was ringing at the time so the couple would have known the train was coming.


One of Jamie's friends, Nolan Shone, says he was with the couple Tuesday night and disputes the claim that the female was held down.


"Jamie wouldn't hold down Delia like that. They were both happy, go-lucky people," he said.
Family members say the couple had been dating for four years.


"I know they had their problems, but I don't know if that was the cause of what happened," said Randhile.


Police say the homicide unit is involved in the investigation to determine if the deaths were accidental or criminal. At this point, police say they have been getting conflicting reports from witnesses.
"Homicide investigators are going to be looking at all angles and all the information from the witnesses," said Edmonton Police Service spokesman Chad Orydzuk.


Both Delia and Jamie had once attended Amiskwaciy Academy.


Edmonton Public Schools says they are providing support to staff and students who may have know the pair.


Autopsies have been scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. Investigators are still looking to speak to witnesses who left the scene before police arrived. Anyone who has information on the incident is asked to call police at 780-423-4567 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
With files from Sonia Sunger

Story provided by: edmonton.ctv.ca