Indiana officials identified Thursday the five people who were killed when the vehicle they were in collided with a train in Gary, Ind., officials said.
A South Shore Line train about 10 p.m. Wednesday was traveling eastbound near U.S. Highway 20 and 7th Avenue when a vehicle traveling southbound drove past the lowered crossing gates and into the path of the oncoming train, according to a statement from the train line.
The five victims — three men and two women — were all inside the vehicle and lived in Gary, officials said. They were identified by the Lake County coroner’s office as:
- De’Mario Craig, 24
- Maurice Parrish, 20
- Sherise Parrish, 20
- Latianna King, 20
- Bryon Towns, 21
They died of multiple blunt force injuries and their deaths were ruled an accident, according to the coroner’s office.
No passengers or crew members on the train were injured.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic train crash that took place on June 25, 2025,” said Gary Mayor Eddie Melton, in a statement. “On behalf of the City of Gary, I offer my heartfelt condolences to the families who lost a loved one in this devastating event.”
”...As we grieve this profound loss, I urge all residents to remain vigilant and exercise caution at every railroad crossing,” Melton’s statement continued. “Never attempt to go around lowered gates or ignore warning signals. Trains can approach from any direction, on any track, at any time.”
Melton added that Gary officials will work with railroad authorities to “thoroughly review current safety measures and identify additional steps to help prevent future tragedies.”
The train company extended condolences to the loved ones of the victims. The company reminded people never to cross railroad tracks when signals are on and to always expect a train coming from either direction at any time.
South Shore Line trains were initially suspended following the crash but have since resumed.
