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Sherise Parrish, Latianna King Obituary, Death: Victims ID’d in fatal South Shore train crash; ruled accidental

Sherise Parrish, Latianna King Obituary, Death – The Lake County Coroner’s Office in Crown Point has identified the five individuals who tragically died in a June 25 train collision after the vehicle they were in bypassed a lowered crossing gate.

The victims were confirmed as Sherise Parrish, 20; Latianna King, 20; De’Mario Craig, 24; Maurice Parrish, 20; and Byron Towns, 21. According to the coroner’s report, all five victims resided at the same address in the 4000 block of Harrison Street in Gary, Indiana.

Autopsies were conducted on June 26, and the coroner’s office determined that all five individuals died from multiple blunt force injuries sustained during the crash. The incident occurred between 10:55 p.m. and 11:01 p.m., shortly after first responders were dispatched around 10:09 p.m. to the intersection of U.S. Route 20 and Utah Street.

Gary Police reported that the crash happened when the vehicle carrying the victims attempted to drive around a lowered railroad crossing gate and collided with a South Shore Line train. The vehicle was severely damaged, and all five occupants were ejected from it during the impact. Tragically, all were pronounced dead at the scene.

The deaths have been ruled accidental, pending toxicology results, which are still being processed for all the victims.

Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported among passengers or crew members aboard the South Shore Line train involved in the collision.

In the wake of the tragedy, Gary Mayor Eddie Melton issued a statement offering condolences to the families and expressing gratitude to the emergency personnel who responded quickly and professionally. He also emphasized the importance of exercising caution around railroad crossings, warning drivers never to ignore lowered gates or warning signals.

Echoing that message, South Shore Line President Michael Noland stressed the life-saving role of crossing gates, lights, bells, and flashers at train crossings. He urged the public not to risk their safety or the safety of others by attempting to beat an oncoming train for the sake of saving a few seconds.

“This accident is a painful reminder that railroad safety protocols must be taken seriously,” Noland said. “No amount of rushing is worth a life.”

The investigation into the crash is ongoing as authorities continue to gather information, including the toxicology findings. Meanwhile, community members and local officials are mourning the loss of five young lives and calling for greater awareness and caution at all rail crossings.

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