Scott Maline, Kathy Maline Obituary, Death – A tragic collision between a train and a vehicle claimed the lives of a Kearney couple Friday morning in Dawson County, Nebraska. According to the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), deputies were dispatched to the scene just before 8:30 a.m. following reports of a crash involving a train at the intersection of Road 427 and Highway 30. When first responders arrived, they located a severely damaged white Buick Enclave in the south ditch just north of the railroad tracks.
Inside the vehicle, deputies discovered two victims: 73-year-old Scott Maline, who was driving, and his passenger, 71-year-old Kathy Maline. Sadly, both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators determined that the couple had been traveling northbound on Road 427 when their vehicle attempted to cross the railroad tracks at an uncontrolled crossing. At that moment, an empty Union Pacific train heading westbound struck the Buick. The impact pushed the vehicle off the roadway and into the ditch, leaving it with extensive damage.
Authorities confirmed that the railroad crossing where the crash occurred had no active warning systems such as lights or gates, which are designed to alert drivers of approaching trains. Instead, it was considered an uncontrolled crossing, marked only by signage, requiring drivers to stop, look, and listen before proceeding.
The collision brought a swift response from multiple agencies. Alongside the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, the Nebraska State Patrol, Lexington Fire and Rescue, Priority Medical, Union Pacific Railroad personnel, and Randy and Brian’s Towing assisted with the response and recovery efforts. The area was closed off for several hours as crews worked the scene and investigators documented evidence to piece together the circumstances of the crash.
The loss of Scott and Kathy Maline has deeply impacted the Kearney community, where the couple was well-known and loved. While officials have not released further details about their movements prior to the crash, the sheriff’s office stressed the dangers of uncontrolled railroad crossings and urged motorists to use caution when approaching them.
Train-vehicle collisions, while not frequent, often result in severe or fatal outcomes due to the immense size and speed of trains. Even an empty train, such as the Union Pacific locomotive involved in this crash, carries enough force to devastate smaller vehicles upon impact. Authorities often emphasize that trains cannot stop quickly, making it critical for drivers to yield the right-of-way.
As of Friday afternoon, no additional injuries were reported, and the train crew was not harmed. The Dawson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the investigation remains ongoing but did not indicate that foul play or impairment was suspected.
This tragic incident marks another somber reminder of the risks present at railroad crossings, particularly those without advanced safety signals. Community members are mourning the sudden loss of Scott and Kathy Maline, remembering them not only as victims of a devastating accident but as cherished individuals whose lives left a lasting impact on those around them.
