Authorities ID Man Killed in Tractor Versus Train Crash

Authorities have identified the man who was killed Tuesday night when a train hit a tractor near Union as Mark A. Gavin, 57, of Plano.

A preliminary investigation shows Gavin was operating a 2007 John Deere 4720 Sprayer while headed northbound on Olson Road just after 8 p.m. The sprayer was crossing the train tracks in the 7000 block of Olson Road in unincorporated Union when an eastbound Union Pacific engine struck it, according to the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office press release. The driver of the sprayer was ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene. No one on the train was injured.

The sprayer was equipped with a lap belt, but it was not in use at the time of the crash. Alcohol and drugs do not appear to have been a factor. There are railroad crossing signs posted prior to the train crossing and the crossing does not have lights or arms.

An autopsy performed at the McHenry County Coroner’s Office Wednesday morning revealed that he died from blunt trauma of the head, chest and neck, according to the coroner’s office press release.

An investigation is ongoing by the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Crash Investigations Unit and the McHenry County Coroner’s Office.

Members of the Union and Marengo Fire Protection Districts, along with support staff from the Union Pacific, assisted at the scene.