Charleston - Huntington, West Virginia -- WOWK -- 13NewsGrief counselors at Hurricane High School Wednesday

They represent different grades at Hurricane High School, but students have one thing in common.  They're all grieving the same loss. 

Tuesday afternoon sophomore Jacob Ball was hit by a train as he walked home from school.  Investigators are still unsure why it happened. Some of his classmates saw him wearing earphones earlier in the day. 

Wednesday afternoon those students were coping with the loss of Jacob, making cards as a way to deal with their emotions.

"I think they are taking it better than what I thought they would.  Everybody is crying and very upset that we lost him," said Destiny Rutledge, a sophomore at Hurricane High School who also lives next door to Ball.

Jacob Ball is being remembered as a quiet person with a gentle spirit.

"He was really sweet.  He didn't care what anybody thought of him.  He was his own person.  He loved to play guitar.  He made people laugh," said Rutledge.

School leaders said Jacob seemed in good spirits Tuesday during school.  Wednesday afternoon the mood at school changed to an atmosphere of grief.  Students put their cards on the doors for people to see as they enter Hurricane High School, showing the world that Jacob may be gone but he's not forgotten.

"Kids were very, very emotional at times and sometimes very understanding with other students in comforting them which is very encouraging to see," said Dick Campbell, principal at Hurricane High School.

Thursday at 6:30 p.m. a candlelight vigil will be held in front of Hurricane High School in honor of Jacob Ball.