Schalmont High School Senior Soccer Player Eric Paulus, 17, Passes Away In Train Accident, Leaving His Family Devastated
Rachel Hickman
Published May 15, 2026
Schalmont High School Senior Soccer Player Eric Paulus, 17, Passes Away In Train Accident, Leaving His Family Devastated
May he rest in peace!
May 27, 2026
This article was last updated by Rovik Parajuli on May 27, 2026
The Schalmont Central School District and the greater Schenectady community are mourning the heartbreaking loss of Eric Paulus, a beloved high school senior whose life was tragically cut short over Memorial Day weekend.
The 17-year-old was just weeks away from graduating when the devastating news of his passing sent shockwaves through the school and local community.
Eric Paulus Was Struck By A Train
According to Rotterdam Police, emergency personnel were dispatched to the area near Putnam Road around 2:13 a.m. on Monday following reports that a person had been struck by a train.
Upon arrival, first responders discovered a young male with traumatic injuries who was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
At the time, authorities had not identified the victim due to the absence of identification.
However, it was later confirmed that the young man was Eric Paulus, a senior at Schalmont High School and a boys’ varsity soccer team member, who proudly wore jersey number 13.
Schalmont High School Has Issued A Letter Addressing The Incident
In a heartfelt letter to the community, the Schalmont School District expressed their grief and solidarity:
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share with our community that Eric Paulus, one of our seniors, passed away over the weekend. Eric was a wonderful young man and our entire Schalmont community sends our deepest sympathies to his family in this incredibly difficult time.”
Via FacebookThe school announced a one-hour delay for all students on Tuesday, May 27, to allow staff time to prepare to support grieving students.
Eric was described as a kind, bright young man who brought joy to those around him, both on and off the soccer field.
His sudden and tragic passing has left a deep void in the hearts of classmates, teachers, teammates, and loved ones.
One community member shared their sorrow online:
“So very sad. Really sad to hear in general, even sadder he was getting ready to graduate.”
Via FacebookAnother added:
“Praying for his family and friends!!”
VIa FacebookEric’s death serves as a painful reminder of how fragile life can be, especially for a young person with so much ahead of him.
His classmates were preparing to walk across the graduation stage with him, a milestone he tragically will not see.
Authorities in Rotterdam, who initially struggled to identify Eric, expressed gratitude to the public for their assistance during the investigation.
Eric Paulus With His Parents (Source: Instagram)Multiple emergency services, including the Schenectady County Sheriff’s Department and Rotterdam EMS, responded to the scene and have been working to piece together the circumstances of the tragic incident.
As the community grapples with the loss, support is pouring in from all sides, from counselors and social workers at Schalmont to family, friends, and strangers alike, who offer prayers and condolences.
Schalmont High School has stated that they will share information about memorial arrangements as they become available.
Eric Paulus (Left) During A Game (Source: Instagram)In the meantime, students, teachers, and residents continue to honor Eric’s memory with messages of love, support, and remembrance.
Though his life was tragically short, Eric Paulus will be remembered as a vibrant, kind-hearted student and teammate.
Rest in peace, Eric!
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