Two Shreveport Residents Identified in Fatal Cedar Grove Train Collision
Shreveport, LA – A tragic scene unfolded in the early hours of Monday morning, October 6, 2025, as two Shreveport residents lost their lives in a devastating train collision in the Cedar Grove neighborhood. The Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office has officially identified the victims as 24-year-old Eugene Gillyard Jr. and 36-year-old Crystal Howard, both of Shreveport.
The fatal incident occurred shortly after 2:00 a.m. in the 300 block of East 85th Street, near Fairfield Avenue, a residential area where railroad tracks intersect a frequently traveled roadway. Authorities say the vehicle the victims were traveling in was struck by an oncoming train as it crossed the tracks. Emergency personnel pronounced both victims dead at the scene. Their official time of death was listed as 2:09 a.m.
A Night That Ended in Tragedy
According to preliminary reports from the Shreveport Police Department, Eugene Gillyard Jr. was driving the vehicle at the time of the incident, with Crystal Howard in the passenger seat. It remains unclear whether the vehicle attempted to cross the tracks despite warning signals, or if mechanical failure or other factors played a role in the crash. Investigators are currently reviewing nearby surveillance footage and witness statements to piece together the moments leading up to the collision.
The impact of the crash was so severe that both victims suffered fatal injuries on-site. Autopsies have been ordered by the Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office to determine the precise causes of death and to rule out any contributing medical or environmental factors.
Community Shocked and Mourning
News of the tragedy spread quickly throughout the Cedar Grove community and greater Shreveport area, prompting an outpouring of grief from family, friends, and local residents. Both victims were known in their circles as kind-hearted individuals, each with deep roots in the community.
Eugene Gillyard Jr., described by friends as outgoing and driven, was a graduate of a local high school and had aspirations of starting his own business. He was known for his sense of humor, generosity, and strong bonds with family.
Crystal Howard, 36, was remembered by loved ones as a devoted mother, a loving sister, and a dependable friend. She worked in the local healthcare field and was known for her selfless nature and tireless efforts to care for others.
“She was always looking out for everybody,” said a friend who asked not to be named. “Crystal had a heart of gold. It’s so hard to believe she’s gone.”
A Dangerous Crossing
Residents of the Cedar Grove neighborhood have long voiced concerns about the railroad crossing at East 85th Street, where visibility is often limited, and signals have been the subject of scrutiny. Some community members argue that safety measures at the crossing are insufficient, especially during nighttime hours when visibility is lowest.
“This isn’t the first time something’s happened near these tracks,” said local resident Marcus Dunlap. “We’ve been asking for better lighting, clearer signals — something to make it safer. Maybe now, after this tragedy, someone will finally listen.”
Transportation officials and city engineers are expected to review the site in the coming days as part of a broader inquiry into the collision. Whether improvements will be made remains to be seen, but community advocates are pushing for urgent action.
Ongoing Investigation
The Shreveport Police Department’s Traffic Division is leading the investigation, with assistance from Union Pacific Railroad Police and federal transportation safety officials. At this time, investigators have not ruled out any possible contributing factors, including human error, vehicle malfunction, or equipment failure.
A spokesperson for the railroad company confirmed that the train’s conductor immediately alerted authorities after the collision and that the train was brought to a full stop shortly after impact. All crew members aboard the train were unharmed.
The results of the victims’ autopsies, along with data from the train’s event recorder, are expected to provide more clarity in the coming days.
Honoring the Lives Lost
Family and friends of both Eugene Gillyard Jr. and Crystal Howard are now making arrangements for memorial services. A joint vigil is being planned by community members at a nearby church, where candles, flowers, and heartfelt notes have already begun to accumulate in memory of the two lives lost.
“Our hearts are broken,” said a relative of Eugene. “We just want people to remember who they were — not just how they died, but how they lived.”
A GoFundMe page has been launched to help the families with funeral costs and other expenses. As the community mourns, residents say they hope this tragedy leads to lasting change — not only in terms of infrastructure, but also in how the city approaches traffic safety near railroad crossings.
A Community United in Grief
As the sun rose over Shreveport Monday morning, the Cedar Grove neighborhood remained somber. Flags flew at half-staff outside community centers, and school counselors were made available to students who knew the victims or were impacted by the news.
“It’s always heartbreaking to lose members of our community,” said Mayor Tom Arceneaux in a public statement. “Our thoughts are with the families of Mr. Gillyard and Ms. Howard, and we will do everything in our power to support the investigation and ensure this kind of tragedy never happens again.”
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