Friends and family hold balloon release to remember man killed in train crash – WKRG News 5

Mobile, Alabama (WKRG) — It was a tearful Saturday night for the family and friends of mobile musician James Lett, who was killed after being hit by a train on Forest Hill Drive. Those closest to James say his life has been cut too short, and now hope to improve safety measures at the railroad crossing where he died.

“He touched so many people’s lives,” said Letts godmother Katrina Frazier. “He didn’t meet a stranger. The outpouring of love you see here makes it clear how much the community loves him and his family.”

Rhett, 29, was murdered on Forest Hill Drive near Pinewood Drive on May 27.. A huge fan of the Louisiana State University Tigers, his family and friends gathered in a Japanese garden just off the railroad tracks to release purple and gold balloons.

This up-and-coming hip-hop artist hails from mobile and wanted his music to make a difference and inspire others.

“He was really important to me and a lot of people, and I will miss him,” said close friend Raven Dickinson. “We will miss him and his music and listening to his songs.”

He was an avid taco lover, friends said, and most of them would gather at his house for “Taco Tuesday.”

“I miss that Taco Tuesday,” she recalled. “He’s been cooking for quite some time. I will continue to eat his food.”

According to friends, James was a unique man with a great sense of humor.

“He’s just one of those people you don’t see every day,” recalled one of Rhett’s close friends, Jarianne Thomas. “He should be as blessed to have met someone of that character as he is to meet someone of his own.”

“We’ve done a lot. I just want to say it’s been tough. And I miss him,” Letts’ cousin Victor Slater explained. “You know what I mean? Well, I really don’t know how to explain it, because family, we go all the way back to childhood, do you understand what I mean?”

“This is not a true goodbye. He will live in our hearts forever and he has an indelible impact on this community that will not be silenced,” Frazier said.

While mourning James’ tragic death, family and friends are working hard to ensure safety at the crossing.

Railroad crossings do not have the traditional red and white safety arms. Let your friends believe that if they were there, his life could have been saved.

“We need them to clear things up and let people know they don’t care if the intersection is busy. Let them off!” Slater shouted. “Come on, don’t let this happen!”

“I don’t know where he was going or what the rush was, but please be safe at the crossing,” Thomas said. “So give me a few minutes. I really want him to be late to work and get fired.”

Aside from his music and outgoing personality, one of the things you’ll forget about James is his smile.

“His smile and the way he lights up the room. It was undeniable,” Frazier explained.

The family plans to put James to bed next Saturday afternoon.