ORANGE PARK, Fla. -- A 17-year-old standout on the Fleming Island High School football team was struck and killed by a train crossing a railroad bridge over Black Creek Wednesday night, a Clay County school spokeswoman said.

Two other students were hurt jumping from the trestle to avoid the train.

Wesley Whiddon was killed immediately. He was a junior and star middle linebacker on Golden Eagles football team.

Clinton "David" Matthews, 18, and Richey Pickett, 17, were transported to Orange Park Medical Center, treated for abrasions and minor injuries and released to their parents. They were also football players at Fleming Island.

Authorities said they were fishing on the trestle next to state Road 220 about 7:15 p.m. when a CSX freight train approached. All the boys ran, but Whiddon was hit and killed. The other two boys managed to get out of the way.

Whiddon's mother is the principal of W.E. Cherry Elementary School and his father works at the Green Cove Springs Police Department. In addition to his parents, he is survived by three younger brothers.

Fleming Island head football coach Neal Chipoletti called Whiddon a role model -- a leader both on and off the field.

"Wes Whiddon was a fine individual and an outstanding football player," Chipoletti said. "He was a family friend. He was just a great kid."

A prayer vigil for Whiddon was held on campus at the beginning of school Thursday and grief counselors were available for anyone wanting to talk about their loss. Students were being allowed to leave early.

"From the day he showed up at school, he was a leader and well-liked by everybody," Fleming Island Principal Sam Ward said. "It was devastating."

Channel 4's Nikki Preede said two seniors on the football team walked by her Thursday morning, carrying a Bible and crying.

"It's tragic, when you lose one of your best friends -- someone you love," said John Weisner, a friend and a volunteer with the team.

Friends and family arrived at the family home throughout the day to offer condolences and support.

"He had such a bright future," said Whiddon's aunt, Kim Quinton. "He knew what he wanted to do in life. It's sad."

Clay County rescue personnel and deputies were summoned to the wooded area of South Orange Park by a radio call from a CSX employee on the train.

The location on the tracks, which deputies said is a fishing spot frequented by young people, is private property and is an area where trespass warnings are issued when complaints are made.

"It's still under active investigation, so as far as details how the tragic accident happened, I can't go into any of the details yet," Clay County Sheriff's Office Lt. Heather Pierce said.

In Whiddon's junior year, he was credited with 174.5 tackles -- 14 for a loss. He caused three fumbles, recovering one. Whiddon was named first-team linebacker in both the county and the conference.

"Just this week, I was showing his highlight film to college coaches, trying to get him ready to go off and play college ball," Chipoletti said.

Green Cove Springs police Chief Robert Musco issued the following statement on Thursday:

"We are a small agency with about 35 people. We got to know Wesley very well. We thought very highly of him... Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family."

The family announced a viewing for Whiddon will be held Monday from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at Kirkwood Presbyterian Church in Orange Park. The funeral will be held Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. on the football field at Fleming Island High School.

The Whiddon Bereavement Fund was established at his mother's elementary school. Make checks payable to W.E. Cherry Elementary School.