One Year After Tragic Death, Safety Upgrades Begin at Milby High Train Tracks

Honoring Sergio Rodriguez's Memory

• 🕯️ Sergio Rodriguez, a 15-year-old Milby High School student, tragically died one year ago after being hit by a train while crossing the tracks.
• 💐 A memorial near the train tracks has been established, with people dropping off flowers to honor Sergio's memory.

Lawsuit and Accountability

• ⚖️ Sergio's mother has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Union Pacific, alleging negligence and failure to implement safety barriers despite prior complaints.
• 🎯 The lawsuit's ultimate goal is to hold corporations like Union Pacific accountable for making communities safer.
• 🔍 The family's attorney reports that the lawsuit is currently in the discovery phase.

Safety Upgrades Underway

• 🚧 In the year since Sergio's death, a permanent fence has been installed to deter students from crossing the tracks outside designated areas.
• 🌉 State lawmakers have secured $10 million for a pedestrian bridge at the crossing where Sergio was hit, expected to break ground next summer and finish by the end of 2026.
• 🏅 The Texas Department of Transportation will oversee the bridge's construction, which will be named in Sergio's honor.
• 🤝 TxDOT is collaborating with the city of Houston and HISD to ensure the project's timely completion.

Continued Efforts and Awareness

• 🏫 HISD is partnering with local agencies to strengthen rail safety awareness and infrastructure.
• 📚 Safety initiatives include railroad safety training with HISD police, rail safety education for staff, and campus visits to assess rail crossing conditions.
• ⚠️ The district continues to work with Union Pacific on various safety activities to prevent future tragedies.