5 killed in Gary train vs. car crash identified

CHICAGO (WGN) — The Lake County Coroner’s Office in Northwest Indiana has identified the five victims who died in a Gary train crash.

According to the LCCO, 24-year-old De’Mario Craig, 20-year-old Maurice Parrish, 20-year-old Sherise Parrish, 20-year-old Latianna King and 21-year-old Bryon Towns died from blunt force trauma in the crash. All five lived in Gary and the manner of death was ruled an accident.

Authorities in northwest Indiana worked to pick up the pieces on Thursday morning after a crash that involved a South Shore Line train and a vehicle overnight.

A South Shore commuter train and a vehicle collided just after 10 p.m. along Utah Street near U.S. 20, just west of the Miller station, in Gary.

Officers arrived on the scene and found five victims who had been ejected from an SUV following the crash.

Officers said a preliminary investigation indicated the train hit the car when the driver allegedly attempted to drive around an active railroad crossing.

“The Gary Police Department extends our sincere condolences to the friends and families of those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy. You are in our thoughts and prayers, and we are committed to providing you with unwavering support during this difficult time,” a spokesperson for the Gary Police Department said.

A GoFundMe page has been set up by Howard Hawkins, the father of Bryon Towns, to help pay for funeral expenses of the victims and help support Maurice and Sherise Parrish’s daughter, who was orphaned due to the crash.

Video captured near the scene overnight shows the badly mangled car after it had been loaded onto a wrecker truck.

Police said several crew members and passengers were on board the train during the crash, but no injuries were reported.

An investigation into the deadly crash is now underway by Gary Police and the NICTD Transit Police Department.

In a statement shared by South Shore Line following the crash, a spokesperson called the incident “tragic”

“Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragic incident,” the spokesperson said.

Officials from the rail line also issued a warning to the public about the dangers of crossing tracks with active signals.

“We remind everyone to never attempt to cross railroad tracks when signals are activated, and to always expect a train on any track from any direction at any time,” the spokesperson said.

Gary Mayor Eddie Melton also issued a statement Thursday addressing the crash.

“On behalf of the City of Gary, I offer my heartfelt condolences to the families who lost a loved one in this devastating event,” Melton said.

Melton went on to say that the city is now working with law enforcement, emergency services and railroad authorities to review current safety measures and prevent future tragedies. 

“Safety must always be our highest priority. Every life is precious, and it is our collective responsibility to protect one another and prevent such tragedies from happening again,” ​Melton said.

The crash interrupted South Shore service overnight, service was restored by 3 a.m.

Visit the South Shore Line service alerts page for the latest service updates.