Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Man Killed By Train

Trying to beat a train cost a Gurdon man his life Thursday, Aug. 13.

According to reports from the Gurdon Police Department, around 1:45 a.m. Theatrice Baker Jr., 25, Laverne Berry and Jo Berry were leaving their home in Gurdon and were walking part of the way home with Baker.

The trio was walking east on First Street when a north bound train approached the Miller Street crossing.

Laverne Berry crossed the tracks in front of the train, while Baker and Jo Berry were preparing to do the same.

Jo Berry screamed for Baker not to try and cross, the report stated, , but he did anyway. Berry grabbed Baker's shirt, but he ran in front of the train in an attempt to beat it across the tracks.

Baker was struck by the right front part of the train's engine and knocked about 40 yards.

According to reports, the train had its lights on and was traveling at approximately 40 miles per hour at the time. The train needed three-tenths of a mile to stop after the impact.

Baker was pronounced dead at the scene. His remains were taken to Williams Funeral Home.

While Baker lived on Crestwood Drive in Gurdon, his identification has his address as being in Arkadelphia.