Shreveport, October 10, 2025
News Summary
A train crash in Shreveport resulted in the deaths of two individuals, Eugene Gillyard Jr. and Crystal Howard, following a collision at a railroad crossing. The victims were pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities are investigating the crash, highlighting the importance of adhering to railroad crossing safety measures. A third occupant survived the incident. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with ignoring safety signals at railroad crossings.
Shreveport – A tragic train crash in Shreveport resulted in the deaths of two individuals, identified as Eugene Gillyard Jr., 24, and Crystal Howard, 36, according to the Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office. The incident occurred on October 6, 2025, shortly after 2:00 a.m., in the Cedar Grove neighborhood.
Emergency responders pronounced both Gillyard and Howard dead at the scene at 2:09 a.m.. An autopsy has been ordered for both victims as part of the ongoing investigation into the crash.
The collision occurred at a railroad crossing on E 85th Street near Fairfield Avenue. A 2011 maroon Nissan Armada was traveling east on E 85th Street when the driver reportedly drove around the lowered barricade arm at the crossing while warning lights were flashing. The vehicle was subsequently struck on the driver’s side by a Kansas City Southern freight train that was traveling north.
The impact resulted in the SUV flipping over, which ejected the driver and the rear passenger. A third occupant seated in the front passenger seat survived the crash and was later found at a family member’s home. This survivor corroborated that the driver did indeed ignore the railroad crossing arms before the collision. This individual was transported to Ochsner LSU Health for treatment of undisclosed injuries.
Additionally, a dog that was inside the SUV was killed in the crash. The train involved in the accident was reportedly traveling under 40 mph at the time of the collision. The Shreveport Police Department is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
Railroad crossing safety is critical as train collisions can have fatal consequences. Authorities remind drivers to adhere to all crossing signals and avoid taking risks that could lead to similar accidents in the future.
Background Context
This incident underlines the importance of adhering to safety measures at railroad crossings. The presence of lowered barricades and flashing warning lights is designed to prevent accidents, and violations can result in devastating outcomes. The ongoing investigation may provide more insights into how the crash occurred and what can be done to enhance safety measures in similar scenarios.
FAQ
Key Characteristics of the Incident
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Victims | Eugene Gillyard Jr. (24), Crystal Howard (36) |
| Date and Time | October 6, 2025, shortly after 2:00 a.m. |
| Location | Cedar Grove neighborhood, Shreveport, Louisiana |
| Vehicle Involved | 2011 maroon Nissan Armada |
| Train Involved | Kansas City Southern freight train |
| Speed of Train | Under 40 mph at the time of collision |
| Survivor | Individual in the front passenger seat, treated at Ochsner LSU Health |
| Dog Casualty | Dog in the SUV was killed in the crash |
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Additional Resources
- KSLA News
- Wikipedia: Railroad Crossing Safety
- KTAL News
- Google Search: Shreveport train accident
- Shreveport-Bossier Advocate
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Train Transportation
- 710 KEEL
- Google News: Train accident Shreveport
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
