HOUSTON — A 15-year-old boy was struck and killed by a train in southeast Houston Monday morning.
It happened around 7:35 a.m. Houston police posted to X that investigators were going to the crash at 2000 Broadway St., which is near I-45. The Milby High School student, Sergio Rodriguez, was pronounced dead at the scene. HPD said it appeared to be a tragic accident and there were no signs of foul play.
HPD said the teen attempted to cross in front of a moving Union Pacific train on the way to school when he was struck by the train.
Rodriguez's friends were heartbroken.
"I could have been there helping him," said Joe Marin. They normally walk with Rodriguez before and after school, but they walked early Monday morning.
Rodriguez's family was raising money to cover final expenses on GoFundMe.
HISD said its crisis response team has responded to the school. Below is the district's full statement:
"This morning a Milby student was involved in a fatal accident near campus. HISD’s Crisis Response team has responded to the school to provide support to students and staff and communications have been sent to Milby HS families."
According to HPD, the arms were down and lights were flashing.
State Senator Carol Alvarado (D-Houston) attended Milby High School.
"I have been taking on the railroad company practically my entire life," Alvarado said. "[Trains] block for long periods of time. Complete disregard for communities they run through."
Witnesses said trains come down these tracks nearly every morning and students often climb through the cars when they stop.
"It passes by slow and sometimes fast both ways," said David Perez, who lives nearby. "I just feel sorry for, it's going to be close to Christmas. God bless everybody."
HPD said a patrol officer was waiting on the train to pass when the accident happened, but didn't have a viewpoint to see it.
Union Pacific sent the following statement after the accident.
"Our hearts go out to the family of a teenager who was struck and killed today in Houston. Union Pacific is investigating and cooperating with the community."
A memorial service for Rodriguez was announced Tuesday evening. Family and friends were invited to Milby High School at 4 p.m. for a memorial service. Candles, flowers and mementos were welcomed. There would be a balloon release.
Watch the update police gave at the scene:
Commissioner Adrian Garcia issued a statement Monday afternoon:
“We are grieving the death of a young man in Precinct 2– a Milby High School student whose death this morning was related to one of the many train lines in Houston’s East End. As Commissioner for Precinct 2, I am all too familiar with the dangers associated with these train tracks, which fuel the regional economy but too often put the health and safety of East End residents at risk. That is why I have prioritized partnering with the City and federal government to build new grade separations to create a safer environment. It is critical that all partners, including METRO, make the investments necessary to, as much as possible, reduce the burden East End residents bear in holding up our region.”