(The Associated Press circulated the following article on June 26.)
CLOVIS, N.M. — A Clovis railroad worker was struck and killed by a train while taking measurements in Texas, police said.
Robert Chavez, 47, was struck by a train just east of Hereford, Texas, on Friday according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The Burlington Northern Santa Fe employee did not seem to see or hear the approaching train, according to a police report. Chavez was pronounced dead at the scene.
Chavez’s aunt, Socorro Chavez of Clovis, said her nephew was a caring man and a good role model.
“Even though he was a shy man, he had a great sense of humor and was friendly,” she said.
She said Chavez had taken care of his mother since his father died.
The day before he died, he spent the entire day with his mother, Chavez said.
“He was a person that you were happy that you got to know in your life,” she said.
The investigation is ongoing, DPS officials said.