SALEM — Last summer, young Jaydon Dancy plunged into the ocean to try to save a man who had fallen out of his kayak.

For his bravery, the 10-year-old was honored by city officials at Carlton Elementary School, where the fifth-grader was given an honorary police hat and badge, and a citation from the State House.

Tragically, Jaydon’s life ended abruptly Friday evening when he was struck and killed by a commuter rail train while out playing with friends.

His death shocked the Carlton school and city where Jaydon was remembered Saturday for a curious mind as well as his bravery.

“The circumstances are tragic enough, but when you think about the young person that he was, it just makes it even worse,’’ said state Representative Paul Tucker, who presented Jaydon with the citation from the Legislature.

“Our entire school community and city mourn the loss of this child,’’ Salem School Superintendent Margarita Ruiz said in a statement.

Jaydon was a “bright, inquisitive’’ student, Ruiz said.

“Our hearts and prayers go out to Jaydon’s parents and his siblings during this difficult time,’’ the superintendent added.

The circumstances of the boy’s death remain unclear. But the incident “appears to be a tragic accident and no foul play is suspected,’’ the ­Essex district attorney’s office said in a statement.

Jaydon had gathered at a park with friends and was crossing the tracks to retrieve his bicycle when he was struck by the train around 8:05 p.m., the statement said.

An outbound train passed at 8:04 p.m., and then an inbound train passed about a minute later.

“Investigators believe that the boy was not aware of the second train,’’ the statement said.

A source familiar with the investigation said Jaydon “may have been confused’’ by the passing trains.

As news of Jaydon’s death spread through this seaside city, residents struggled “with this terrible loss,’’ Mayor Kim Driscoll said in a statement.

“He was loved and respected and our memories of him will be of a bright and engaging’’ boy, Driscoll said.

Counseling for students and staff at the Carlton school will begin Sunday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and will continue Mondaywith additional resources, Ruiz said.

Some of Jaydon’s friends Saturday remembered him as a “cool kid’’ who loved to have fun.

“He was funny,’’ said 11-year-old Elias Vasquez, who ­recalled performing in a talent show with Jaydon during a summer school they attended.

“At the talent show, he did this pretzel thing. He was super flexible. It was great.’’

“He was really good at dancing,’’ added Joshua ­Saldivar, 10, a classmate. “He didn’t like to be mean. He was a cool kid.’’

Saldivar recalled the moment when he learned his friend was also a hero.

“I remember he tried to save someone and my teacher told the class he was a ­life-saver.’’

On that summer day, ­Jaydon was at the beach near Palmer’s Cove Yacht Club when he noticed the kayaker fall into the water, the Salem News has reported.

He called out to the man, then swam out to him. Jaydon pulled the ailing man to shore, where emergency workers tried to revive him.

A few months later, Jaydon was honored at the schoolassembly, where Tucker recalls a humble boy of quiet confidence.

“It was a pretty extraordinary feat,’’ Tucker said, adding that Jaydon was the kind of young person a community was lucky to have.

The American Red Cross in March named Jaydon a “Youth Hero’’ during its annual Community Heroes Breakfast.

“At 10 years of age, Jaydon Dancy is by all definitions a hero,’’ read the citation published online. “Through his selfless act, Jaydon inspires those that know him.’’

Nicole Fleming can be reached at nicole.fleming@globe.com. Catie Edmondson can be reached at catie.edmondson@globe.com.