(The following report appeared on the Clovis News-Journal website on June 27.)
CLOVIS, N.M. — A Burlington Northern Santa Fe employee from Clovis was struck and killed by a train Friday just east of Hereford, Texas, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Robert Chavez, 47, was “taking measurements” at the intersection of Farm to Market Road 2943 and the BNSF track when the incident occurred, DPS reported.
The report states that Chavez did not seem to see or hear the approaching train. He died 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. “He was really a great role model for his brothers and nephews.”
But what impressed her most was how he took care of his mother after 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.
DPS officials said the investigation is ongoing.