The Midland Tragedy: Train was traveling under 70 mph speed limit

Army Sgt. Joshua Michael, 34, was one of four people confirmed dead Thursday by Midland authorities after a Union Pacific freight train slammed into the float as it traversed a railroad crossing on its way to an honorary banquet.

Before the train slammed into the float, Josh displayed an ultimate act of courage when he quickly reacted and shoved his wife, Daylyn, off the float. Daylyn is the only confirmed person on the float which escaped without any injuries. This act of courage is something which Josh has demonstrated as a two-tour Iraq war veteran. He was medically discharged with traumatic brain damage from two IED explosions and received two Purple Hearts.

Josh leaves behind his wife, Daylyn, and two children, Ryan (14) and Maci (7).

If you would like to assist the family, go to www.sgtjoshuamichael.com

WASHINGTON (AP) - Federal records show there were 10 previous collisions at the same West Texas railroad crossing where a train slammed into a parade float carrying wounded veterans and their families.
   
Records reviewed by The Associated Press from the Federal Railroad Administration show that five cars and five trucks have been struck by trains or rail equipment at the Garfield railroad crossing in Midland since 1979. Six drivers were injured in the accidents but there were no fatalities.
   
The trains involved in the previous collisions were moving slowly at the time of the accidents - between 15 miles per hour and 25 miles per hour.
   
Four veterans were killed and 16 other people were injured Thursday when a train struck a tractor-trailer truck towing the float that was stopped on the crossing.