East End community mourns loss of Milby High student killed by train, officials seek safety solutions

HOUSTON - The Milby High School community is in mourning after the tragic death of a 15-year-old student struck by a train on Monday while walking to school. 

Sergio Rodriguez, a sophomore football player, was killed near the train tracks at Elvera and Broadway, a location that has long been a source of safety concerns.

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A memorial has begun to form near the site where Rodriguez lost his life. Balloons were also released in his memory on their football field on Thursday afternoon. 

Vicki Cruz, a Milby High School alumna who served as a chaplain for the memorial, said the loss left students struggling for words. 

"Let's hurry and get this fixed, because this shouldn't have happened. This has been going on for years," she said. "Union Pacific, however we do it, just make it happen for our kids, because we don't want to lose another one." 

Houston ISD officials highlighted that nine of the district’s 118 campuses near train tracks, including Milby, are among the most vulnerable to dangerous incidents. 

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Superintendent Mike Miles emphasized the gravity of the situation, calling the death of Rodriguez a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers that students face. 

"The tragic loss this week is a heartfelt, heartbreaking reminder of all the things we in this community need to do to make sure kids aren't forced to jeopardize their safety to make it to and from school every day," Miles said.

State leaders have also expressed concern over the safety risks of nearby train tracks. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick stated on social media site X that he supported Houston Mayor John Whitmire’s call for Union Pacific to fund the construction of a pedestrian bridge to ensure Milby students can safely cross the tracks. Patrick has urged state lawmakers to provide further support, if needed.

In response to the concerns, HISD has outlined additional measures to protect students. Miles stated that principals at schools located near train tracks would inform parents that students should never attempt to race a train to make it to school on time. In such cases, students will not be marked late if a stopped train causes delays. Transportation options are also available for affected students.