(11/09/07) FLORAL PARK ? A 16-year-old boy struck by a Long Island Rail Road train in Floral Park died from his injuries Friday morning.

According to an MTA police source, the victim, Phelim Lynch, and a 17-year-old managed to access the tracks through utility stairs. Police said Lynch was struck at approximately 11 p.m. He died at 6 a.m. at Winthrop University Hospital.

An acquaintance of Lynch said the victim emerged from bushes on the tracks and never saw the train coming. The 17-year-old who was with the victim was not harmed.

Kathleen Sottile, principal of Floral Park High School, where Lynch was a senior, said the popular teen will be sorely missed.

"Phelim could go on to do just about anything. He was that type of student," she said. "He was a very good public speaker. He was a very good person."