In his final moments, a man called his father to say his car had broken down on railroad tracks. Moments later, he lost his life while trying to help the car’s passenger escape an approaching train.
Authorities from the DeKalb County Police Department in Georgia responded to a report of a collision between a vehicle and a train at the intersection of E. Ponce De Leon Avenue and N. Clarendon Avenue in the early morning hours of Feb. 10.
According to preliminary findings, the vehicle had stopped on the tracks. Police said the driver was attempting to assist the passenger out of the car before the train arrived.
The driver, identified at the scene as 38-year-old Brent Davis, died in the incident. The female passenger was transported to a hospital in critical condition. Officials stated that the investigation remains ongoing.
A CSX train was involved in the crash. In a statement, the railroad company expressed sympathy for those affected and said it continues to cooperate with law enforcement.
Brent Davis’s father, Stanley Davis, said his son had called him just minutes before the collision.
“He told me his car had broken down on the train tracks,” Stanley said. He explained that before the conversation could continue, Brent said he would call back.
“That was the last time I heard from him,” Stanley said.
Family members described Brent as someone who consistently put others first. Stanley Davis said he was not surprised by his son’s actions.
“This is something I know he would have done for anyone,” he said.
Brent’s sister, Brandy Davis, also shared memories of her brother, describing him as protective and caring.
“His kindness and selflessness touched everyone who knew him,” she said. “He never hesitated to put others before himself.”
She added that his death has deeply affected the family.
“He died doing what he always did best — protecting someone he cared about. His loss has left a huge hole in our hearts.”
