Brandon High School athlete Jamar Bond’s father passed away when he was eight years old.
Jamar Bond died on Friday, January 9, 2026, after he was struck by a train while walking to school.
Deputies responded to a railroad track near Lakewood Drive in Brandon at 8:23 a.m. on Thursday. Jamar was taken to Tampa General Hospital, where he died the next day.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said the teen was walking on the tracks toward Brandon High School that morning when a CSX train hit him from behind as he tried to jump out of the way.
Investigators found a pair of headphones near him. There was “dense fog” in the area at the time of the accident, deputies said.
The accident is still under investigation. The sheriff’s office has not released any further information.
Pastor Elvis Piggott of Triumph Church of Tampa knew Jamar nearly his whole life, he told the Tampa Bay Times.
Instead of a wake, the community is holding a graduation for Jamar, who was looking forward to pursuing a career as an engineer.
A GoFundMe for Jamar’s family had raised more than $7,000 for funeral expenses as of Tuesday afternoon.
After his funeral service on January 24, 2026, his friends will play an honorary game of basketball for him at Brandon Park & Recreation Center.
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Jamar Bond’s Mother Learned About Her Son’sTragic News When Deputies Came To Her Home
Brandon Bears athlete Jamar Bond was born in 2008 to his mother, Jewell McMillan, and his father, whose identity has not been revealed.
Sadly, his father passed away when Jamar was eight years old. Jewell is currently mourning the tragic loss of her son, Jamar Bond.
During the recent interview, Jewell said she learned of her son’s injuries when a deputy came to her door early Thursday morning.
“I never expected it,” she said, sharing that the last time she saw her son alive was the night before, when she kissed him goodnight.
She spoke publicly for the first time as she sought answers surrounding the circumstances of her son’s death.
Close ones and relatives have offered their heartfelt condolences to Jamar’s mother through their social media handles.
Sherry Perkins from Beaumont, Texas, wrote,
My condolences to the family and especially the Mother. I have been in your shoes. I lost a Son 21 years ago in Houston and his killer is still out there. But the Love of God will see you through. The good days and the bad days. My son birthday is February the 4th but my oldest son birthday is today. May God bless you and keep you through what you are going through!
Sherry Perkins
Kathleen M. Keys, former english instructor at ASU 34 year Educator wrote,
First and foremost, I want to express my sincere condolences to this mother for the loss of her son 🙏🏼 and the unimaginable pain she, his sibling and other loved ones are feeling 💔😢 right now and will feel for quite some time.
Kathleen M. Keys
But, my question is why did Jamar not hear nor see the train? Does the fact that he was wearing earphones play a vital role in the cause of his death? Was this his first time trying to catch this particular train or was this his usual routine? I have more questions than this post provided details concerning this tragic situation. Nevertheless, this doesn’t erase a mother’s loss, pain 💔 or grief, and for that I’m truly sorry 😐
In addition, Jamar Bond is survived by his 19-year-old twin sister, who has stayed away from social media highlights.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Jamar’s gown and cap have already been ordered, and his diploma is expected to arrive soon.
- The GoFundMe campaign aims to collect $16k, and it has collected around $10,753.
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