Larry Cantu, 60, of Robstown, Texas, was killed on Friday, January 30, 2026, after being struck by a train in the 600 block of East Avenue A. Authorities confirmed that he attempted to cross the tracks by going under the guard rail but was unable to make it across before the train hit him.
Police said the collision occurred at approximately 5:18 p.m. Train conductors reported that Cantu tried to beat the train by slipping past the lowered guard rail. Officers arriving at the scene found him critically injured, suffering from severe lower-extremity trauma and facial injuries.
Emergency responders transported Cantu by ambulance to CHRISTUS Spohn Shoreline Hospital in Corpus Christi, where he was later pronounced dead. The Nueces County Medical Examiner’s Office identified him and notified his family soon after.
The accident site, East Avenue A in Robstown, is a busy corridor where trains frequently pass through residential and commercial areas. Residents have long expressed concern about safety at crossings, particularly when individuals attempt to bypass guard rails. The incident has renewed calls for heightened awareness and stricter enforcement of rail safety measures.
Investigators are reviewing the circumstances surrounding the crash, including whether additional factors contributed to Cantu’s decision to cross the tracks. Authorities have not indicated foul play, but the Robstown Police Department emphasized that the case remains under active review.
Cantu’s death has left the Robstown community grieving. Friends and neighbors described him as a familiar figure in the area, and tributes have begun to appear online. His passing underscores the dangers of ignoring rail safety barriers and serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of caution near train crossings.