A Harrisburg teenager was killed on Tuesday, June 2, during a train derailment crash in Poweshiek County, Iowa. Robert Orton, 14, was a passenger in a semi tractor trailer driven by his father, 38-year-old Michael Orton. According to an Iowa State Patrol crash report, Michael Orton was driving south on Highway 21 and failed to yield at a railroad crossing. The train struck the truck.

Michael Orton was airlifted to the University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center to be treated for serious injuries.

Robert would have been a freshman at Harrisburg High School in the fall. The district announced Robert’s passing with a message on its Facebook page. “Robert was a member of our Bulldog family, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, classmates, teachers, and all who knew and loved him during this incredibly difficult time. The loss of a young life is heartbreaking, and we know many in our school and community will be affected by this tragedy. We ask that everyone keep the Orton family in their thoughts and respect their privacy as they navigate the days ahead. As a school community, we will come together to support one another and honor Robert’s memory.”

A funeral was held on Friday, June 12, at Memorial Funeral Home in Columbia. He was buried at Dripping Springs Church in rural Boone County.

A GoFundMe account has been established for Robert’s mother, Emily Phillippe, to help pay for funeral expenses and establish a scholarship in Robert’s name. As of Tuesday morning, 7,490 of $9,000 had been raised. To donate, go to www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-robert-wayne-ortons-memory.