A 16-year-old Palm Coast boy who had been reported missing was found deceased on the evening of February 21 after being struck by a freight train in Bunnell in what the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office described as an apparent suicide.
Khalon Pierre was reported missing by his mother on the morning of February 20 at 6:11 a.m. after he had not been seen since approximately 11 p.m. the night before. According to the report, Pierre had packed a bag and left his home in the S-Section of Palm Coast on foot, heading in an unknown direction. Pierre had previously been reported missing in 2021 but returned at that time.
Following the report, deputies entered Pierre into the National Crime Information Center and Florida Crime Information Center databases, as well as the Florida Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse. Deputies canvassed the area, including a nearby residence Pierre was known to visit, but did not locate him. A be-on-the-lookout notice was issued and sent to law enforcement agencies in surrounding counties. A missing juvenile alert was also posted to the FCSO’s social media pages at 8:33 a.m. that morning.
During the investigation, Pierre’s mother reported that he had used a debit card at a Walmart Neighborhood Market in DeLand. Deputies had the Flagler County Emergency Communications Center send a notice to the DeLand Police Department requesting they look for him. When DeLand officers arrived, however, the store was closed. FCSO deputies continued the investigation when the store reopened and located video showing Pierre leaving the Walmart on his bicycle.
On the night of February 21 at 6:55 p.m., the Flagler County Emergency Communications Center received a call reporting that an individual had run in front of a freight train in the area of County Road 304 and Old Dupont Road in Bunnell. The train immediately activated its emergency brake and stopped. Deputies and Flagler County Fire Rescue responded to the scene and located the individual, who was deceased. The FCSO Major Case Unit and Crime Scene Investigation Unit responded to investigate. During the investigation, the individual was identified as Khalon Pierre.
Pierre was part of the homeschool program at Flagler Palm Coast High School but had not been in attendance at FPC in over two years.
“We are incredibly saddened to share this news, as this is the outcome the family and law enforcement fear the most in any missing persons case,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “Our deepest condolences go out to Khalon’s family and friends during this extremely difficult time and I remind our community that help is available.”
Anyone who is feeling depressed or experiencing suicidal thoughts can reach help at any time by calling 911 or contacting the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.
