Houston Teen's Death Spurs Calls for Safer Railroad Crossings
After 15-year-old Sergio Rodriguez was fatally struck by a train near Milby High School, officials and his family push for safety reforms and legal accountability.
- Sergio Rodriguez, a 15-year-old Milby High School student, was killed by a train on December 9 while crossing tracks on his way to school.
- His family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Union Pacific Railroad, citing alleged safety failures, including not sounding the horn and excessive train speed.
- Houston ISD has identified nine schools with hazardous railroad crossings and is working with city and county officials to improve safety measures.
- Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and local leaders propose building a $6.5 million pedestrian bridge at the site, potentially named in Rodriguez's honor, with funding discussions underway.
- Union Pacific has expressed condolences but stated the teen attempted to outrun the train, while community members demand long-term solutions for rail safety in Houston's East End.
People 
Houston Public Media 
Fort Worth Star-Telegram 