Officials Identify Woodland Teens Killed in Train Accident

(KELSO, Wash.) - 15-year old Edward "Eddie" Denson and 15-year old Katelen "Katie" Blacklaw, both of Woodland, have been identified by Cowlitz County Coroner Tim Davidson as the teens killed by an Amtrak train Tuesday evening.

Next of kin have been notified and are grieving privately after being notified by Davidson and Cowlitz County Sheriff's Captain Mark Nelson.

"These parents have spent agonizing hours waiting for this information," Nelson said. "Although they knew; they understood that they had to wait for the official word of what they knew in their hearts to be true."

The confirmation was made through medical and dental review, as well as clothing descriptions by the families.

"All of us at the Sheriff's Office, as well as all of the other emergency services workers who responded to this tragedy send thoughts and prayers of condolence to the families," Nelson said.

The accident took place at 7:10 p.m. Tuesday, about 1/4 mile south of downtown Woodland, Washington.

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Tonya Hajek January 24, 2011 11:54 am (Pacific time)

I knew katie and eddie the whole time i was in woodlandand to that they are gone is horrible,katie and eddie were such great people and i miss them so much! R.I.P! I Love You Both So Much!

ashley birkhead January 21, 2010 1:39 am (Pacific time)

I Knew Katie From Growing Up In Woodland Wa. Its So Sad That They Died Like That. No One Deserves Anything Like That. I Miss Them Even Tho I Didnt Quite Know Them! Rest In Peace You Guys

Kaitlin Larson July 5, 2009 3:10 am (Pacific time)

my sister and katie practically grew up together. they were always hanging out and talking before and after school. i met katie once and it was at my first track meet. i was really scared and katie was there to talk me through. she had an amazing smile and everyone loved her. i knew eddie because him and my friend stephen were neighbors. and i must have met him once or twice. but at that assembly i learned a lot about him that now it seems like i've known him forever.

Anthony June 14, 2009 2:29 am (Pacific time)

I new eddie cause he was on my football team for 2 years. Great athlete. Nickname was

anadelia May 29, 2009 10:23 am (Pacific time)

i was really sad when i heard the news.ive knew katie for a long time-i cant say i was her friend but i did talk to her a couple of times-she was really sweet-i had a class or two with her at W.I.S. i never got to meet eddie but he sounds like a great guy.im sure they will be misssed at W.H.s.

K.Q May 10, 2009 3:39 pm (Pacific time)

I knew eddie for as long as spencer did we went to the same school i guess i should salute him, he was ten times the guy that i'll ever be. It should have been me, I'm far more deserving of a crappy death.

Caity Broemmeling May 1, 2009 10:01 am (Pacific time)

I have been dating Katie's brother, Bo for a long while now. And i only met Katie a couple of times. But i remember going to the zoo with both Eddie and Katie. and having a lot of fun, everytime i saw them they were smiling and laughing (: It's devasting to see this happen to such wonderful people but thier mission on earth was completed already. Although the ones left behind are hurt-Katie and Eddie are happy in heaven. Katie: your family is having a difficult time and miss you dearly. You guys are greatly missed. Rest In Peace.

Haley Giese April 17, 2009 5:11 pm (Pacific time)

Katie was such a good girl she took everything. she was really nice, i didnt know eddie that well but i knew he was super cute =] but now god has taken them away from us. its so sad, but i know they are watching on us right this minute! i will miss them and still love them no matterrr what!

Mia Patterson April 16, 2009 10:08 pm (Pacific time)

I knew them both. Eddie was a caring, funny, amazing friend. And Katie was just the same. I talked with eddie basically everyday in the hallway. We would always joke around. It is just so sad that this had to happen to two amazing people that everyone at our school loved and will miss so much. They really played a big part in our school. I miss them so much.

Sydney Holland April 17, 2009 10:57 am (Pacific time)

These were my friends im in really sad i loved them dearly. My heart goes out to there families

Daniel April 17, 2009 8:59 am (Pacific time)

How very sad , i had a friend who died years ago from a train accident . My heart goes out to the families

Dan April 16, 2009 9:19 pm (Pacific time)

i knew Eddie for a couple years and played football with him...i just cant believe this happened

jacklyn meyer April 16, 2009 8:21 pm (Pacific time)

i have known katie not that long!!!!!i had become VERY close to katie close enough!!!!!! Eddie i didnt know very much!!!

Jordan welch April 16, 2009 8:49 pm (Pacific time)

katie was my 7th grade crush but she became my best friend i loved her so much we were so close why did this have to hapen i will miss you katie love always jordan welch!!!

jacklyn meyer April 16, 2009 8:21 pm (Pacific time)

i have known katie not that long!!!!!i had become VERY close to katie close enough!!!!!! Eddie i didnt know very much!!!

spencer April 15, 2009 10:57 pm (Pacific time)

i knew eddie for years and i am going to miss him so much

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