Tragic Loss: Union Pacific Employee Robert Gardner Killed in Train Crash in Nacogdoches
NACOGDOCHES, TX – A Union Pacific employee, 53-year-old Robert Gardner, was tragically killed in a collision involving a train in Nacogdoches, Texas. The incident occurred on the morning of Monday, June 9, and is now under investigation by both local authorities and Union Pacific officials. Gardner, a seasoned railroad employee, was pronounced dead at the scene, marking a heartbreaking moment for the local railroading community and his family, friends, and colleagues.
According to preliminary reports, the accident happened near a railway junction in the vicinity of Pearl Street. Details remain limited, but authorities have confirmed that Gardner was involved in a crash with a Union Pacific train while on duty. The circumstances leading up to the collision are currently under review, including whether Gardner was inside a vehicle, on foot, or engaged in a specific work-related task at the time.
Union Pacific released a brief statement following the incident, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of one of their own:
“We are heartbroken by the loss of our colleague, Robert Gardner. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fellow employees during this extremely difficult time. Safety remains our highest priority, and we are working closely with authorities to understand what happened.”
What adds a haunting layer to the tragedy is a social media post Gardner shared just one day prior to his death. On Sunday, June 8, Gardner took to Facebook to comment on another rail-related incident under investigation in his hometown of Lufkin. That morning, Lufkin police reported the discovery of a deceased individual on the railroad tracks between Abney and Angelina Streets—a case that remains unresolved. Gardner’s post conveyed concern about rail safety and the alarming nature of the find. In hindsight, the timing of that post has left many shaken.
Friends and family members describe Gardner as a dedicated worker and a man deeply committed to his role at Union Pacific. He had spent decades working for the rail company and was known for his professionalism, humility, and love for his community. His sudden passing has cast a shadow over Nacogdoches and Lufkin alike, where he was a familiar face in both the workplace and the neighborhoods he called home.
Railroad employees face significant dangers on the job every day, and Gardner’s death underscores the inherent risks that come with working in the transportation industry. The Federal Railroad Administration and Union Pacific’s internal safety division are both expected to be involved in the formal investigation.
Community members have taken to social media to mourn Gardner’s passing and to share tributes, memories, and condolences. One user wrote, “He was more than just a rail worker—he was a neighbor, a mentor, and a good man. This loss is heavy on all of us.”
As investigations continue into both Gardner’s tragic accident and the earlier discovery in Lufkin, questions remain unanswered. Was there a connection between the two incidents? Was Gardner’s post merely a tragic coincidence, or could there be more beneath the surface? At this stage, authorities have not suggested a link, but the eerie timing of events has prompted speculation.
Funeral arrangements for Robert Gardner are pending, and his family has asked for privacy as they process this devastating loss. Union Pacific has confirmed it will be offering support services to employees affected by the tragedy and will be reviewing all safety protocols in the wake of the incident.
In the meantime, the communities of Nacogdoches and Lufkin are left to grieve a man who dedicated his life to the rails—and whose final days were marked by a tragic and ironic turn of fate.