"He was a good child. He was real sweet and would help you out. He didn't mind doing nothing for you at all," said Bobbi Davis, victim's cousin.
Davis was visiting relatives in the south suburb when he was struck by an eastbound Amtrak train from Chicago to Indianapolis.
"I guess they got hungry. They wanted to go get something to eat," said Bobbi Davis, victim's cousin.
Police said it appears Davis and his friends ignored the warnings at the crossing.
" Witness statements state that the gates and lights were functioning at that time and that several juvenile subjects were observed crossing the tracks at that area. It appears it was an attempt to beat the train," said Sgt. Chris Mizner, Lansing Police Department.
Davis was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to his family, Davis' grandmother died recently and his mother, Toni Davis, was killed by gun violence in 2000. He was taken in by his uncle, Kevin Carter.
"He was a helpful kid when he had money he would ask, 'What do I need.' He was always smiling," said Carter.
Davis is remembered by his elementary school as a good student who loved sports.
