The 15-year-old West Roxbury boy who was struck and killed by a commuter train in Roslindale had just finished a "successful" freshman year in high school and played on the football team, according to those who knew him.

Nicholas Scaringello died Tuesday after he was struck while walking with a friend on railroad tracks east of Bellevue Station at about 6:30 p.m. A friend who was walking with him jumped out of the way and escaped unharmed. A neighbor told the Herald that the boy Scaringello was walking with was his best friend.

The MBTA is investigating. Spokeswoman Lydia Rivera said the two boys were walking with their backs toward the oncoming train moments before Scaringello was hit.

The Suffolk District Attorney's office has said there is no evidence of foul play in Scaringello's death.

Scaringello had just finished his freshman year at Walpole High School and played football there, according to the school.

"He had a very successful year," said Superintendent Lincoln Lynch. "He had a very positive influence on other kids."

Scaringello's family was unavailable for comment.

Arnold Cole, a neighbor of the family, said he used to drive Scaringello to school and saw him often.

"I watched him grow up," Cole said. He said Scaringello was an only child.

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