KENT, Wash. -- A 17-year-old girl was struck and killed by an Amtrak train Monday morning as she walked across the tracks.

Police spokesman Paul Petersen said Angie Rodriguez was on her cell phone as she walked across the tracks near the 900 block of First Avenue and was struck just after 11:30.

The girl was not at a marked crossing, Petersen said.

The tracks separate businesses on one side with a residential neighborhood on the other side.

The victim's sister Jessica Rodriguez said Angie had recently dropped out of school, but was trying to turn her life around.

Jessica is now filled with sadness and regret over Angie's death and the things left unsaid. She wishes she could have just a little more time with her beloved sister.

"I would just hold her, tell her how much I love her, how I'm happy she's in my life, that she's a part of my family," she said.

Area residents say the unmarked crossing has claimed several lives in the past.

"I happened to look up at the wrong time and saw a terrible thing," said resident Jeanette Sipe.

Sipe saw another person hit and killed on the tracks a few years ago.

"It's just scary. I shudder and look the other way because it's going to happen again, especially with the young kids when they have their ear phones on and they don't pay any attention," she said.

Angie's family is urging pedestrians to take the time to use the crosswalk.

"Because you never know. Just like she didn't hear it. You know, you never know," Jessica said, fighting back tears.