GREENVILLE, Texas — The Greenville community is mourning the devastating loss of 24-year-old Dusty Soles, a beloved UPS delivery driver from nearby Celeste, Texas, whose life was tragically cut short in a fatal accident earlier this week. Authorities say Soles was killed when her delivery truck was struck by a train just outside Greenville as she was completing her daily route — a job she loved and took great pride in.
The collision occurred Wednesday afternoon near County Road 3306, in a rural area lined with open fields and a stretch of train tracks frequently used by local freight lines. According to officials with the Hunt County Sheriff’s Office, emergency crews were dispatched to the scene around 2:15 p.m. after reports of a crash involving a UPS truck and an oncoming train. Despite immediate efforts by first responders, Soles was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators are still piecing together the circumstances of the accident, including whether visibility or other factors may have played a role. Early reports indicate that the crossing where the crash occurred did not have crossing arms, though it was marked with warning signs.
A young life remembered
Friends, family, and coworkers are struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss of a young woman described as “kind-hearted,” “hardworking,” and “the light of everyone’s day.”
“She was the kind of person who made you smile the moment she showed up,” said Megan Rains, a longtime friend and fellow UPS driver. “Everyone on her route knew her — she’d stop to check on people, bring treats for their dogs, and take the time to talk. She wasn’t just delivering packages; she was delivering joy.”
Dusty graduated from Celeste High School in 2019, where she was known for her cheerful personality and love of sports. After high school, she joined UPS, where her dedication and positive attitude quickly made her a favorite among customers and coworkers alike.
Her supervisor, James Whitaker, said she embodied everything the company stands for. “Dusty took pride in her work. She was dependable, upbeat, and had a heart of gold. She treated every stop like it mattered — because to her, it did.”
An outpouring of grief and love
Since news of the tragedy spread, tributes have flooded social media, with hundreds of posts honoring Soles’ life and expressing condolences to her family. Residents across Hunt County have shared stories of her kindness, saying she often went out of her way to help others — even beyond her work route.
A growing memorial now stands near the crash site, where friends and neighbors have placed flowers, candles, and handwritten notes thanking her for her service and friendship.
“It’s hard to believe she’s gone,” said Pamela Torres, who lived along Dusty’s delivery route. “She’d wave every day, rain or shine. My kids looked forward to seeing her truck come down the road. She made ordinary days brighter.”
Community support and remembrance
The Soles family has received an outpouring of community support in the days following the tragedy. A GoFundMe page has been established to help with funeral expenses and to support the family during this difficult time. Local businesses have also joined in, pledging proceeds from upcoming events to the family’s relief fund.
A candlelight vigil is planned for Sunday evening at Celeste City Park, where friends, coworkers, and residents will gather to celebrate Dusty’s life. Attendees are encouraged to wear brown and gold — her UPS colors — in her honor.
“Dusty’s passing has left a hole in our hearts,” said Pastor Mark Eldridge of First Baptist Church of Celeste, where the Soles family are longtime members. “She lived her life with purpose, humility, and love. Though her time here was short, her impact will last forever.”
A lasting legacy
As investigators continue to review what led to the tragic collision, community members are calling for improved safety measures at rural railroad crossings throughout Hunt County to prevent future tragedies.
For now, though, Greenville and Celeste are focused on remembering the young woman whose smile could light up a room — and whose kindness touched so many lives.
“She was more than a driver,” said Rains. “She was family to all of us. The world lost someone truly special that day.”
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