In a community in Texas, a 15-year-old boy named Sergio Rodriguez lost his life while walking to school. On Monday, December 9th, at around 7:35 a.m. local time, as he attempted to cross in front of a slow-moving train in Houston's East End neighborhood, tragedy struck. According to multiple local news outlets and Sgt. Bill Elsbury from the Houston Police Department who spoke to Fox affiliate KRIV-TV, the train was in motion when Sergio made his fateful attempt. This incident has left the community in mourning.

Details of the Incident

Police are working closely with Union Pacific Railroad police to obtain video footage to better understand what happened. Sgt. Elsbury referred to Rodriguez's death as a tragic accident. A representative from the Houston Police Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for additional information. Authorities have stated that railroad crossing lights and arms were functioning normally at the time of the incident, but Sergio was crossing in a non-designated area away from the crossing monitored by police, as reported by NBC affiliate KPRC-TV.The railroad tracks across the street from the high school have long been a hindrance for pedestrians. Trains frequently stop for extended periods, and students have been documented crossing over and under the trains to get to school, as reported by CBS affiliate KHOU-TV. One mother expressed her concerns, saying, "I've had concerns that a child would get hurt for a long time, because it's very dangerous."

Remembering Sergio Rodriguez

In the wake of Sergio's death, his friends and family are deeply mourning. A fellow sophomore recalled him as a "sweet boy." Rodriguez's sister, Cecilia, wrote on a GoFundMe, "He was so kind, smart, funny. Full of life and a student dedicated to football. He was taken away from us too soon."Sergio was a sophomore at Milby High School and had a bright future ahead of him. His loss has had a profound impact on his school community and those who knew him.

The Danger of Railroad Crossings

This tragic event serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with railroad crossings. Even when crossing signals are functioning properly, there is always a risk when pedestrians attempt to cross in areas not designated for crossing. It is crucial for both pedestrians and railroad authorities to work together to ensure the safety of those using railroad crossings.Schools near railroad tracks should take extra precautions to educate students about the dangers and provide them with safe routes to and from school. Parents and guardians also need to be vigilant and communicate the importance of following crossing rules to their children.In conclusion, Sergio Rodriguez's death is a heartbreaking reminder of the importance of safety at railroad crossings. We must strive to prevent such tragedies from happening in the future and ensure that our communities are safe for all.