Overview
- A Union Pacific train struck a FedEx delivery van Thursday, killing 25-year-old passenger Sheldon Gutierrez‑Rangel and leaving the van’s driver hospitalized in critical condition.
- The collision occurred north of Itasca near State Highway 81 and County Road 4148 at a private road/rail crossing that had no crossing arms or warning sirens.
- Aerial footage showed the train pushed the heavily damaged Mercedes‑Benz Sprinter van along the tracks and authorities confirmed the train did not derail and the crew was uninjured.
- Multiple local and regional agencies responded, roads were briefly closed while investigators processed the scene, and one firefighter was treated for a heat-related illness and later released.
- FedEx said it is cooperating with investigators, and officials note that decisions about installing active warning equipment at private crossings involve federal and local processes that can leave some private crossings without gates or signals.