Renowned Alabama Medic and Pro Bass Fisherman Killed at Dipped Norfolk Southern Crossing
(Bessemer, Alabama February 19, 2017)
A well-known medical professional and professional bass fisherman was killed Sunday night at about 11:25 P.M. when his white Chevrolet Tahoe SUV was struck by a Norfolk Southern Railway freight train. The collision occurred at the crossing of McAdory School Road in Bessemer, AL. The NS freight train struck the trailer and bass boat the driver was hauling, which had not cleared the single track crossing, and whipped both the boat trailer and SUV as it struck the trailer.
The crash, which is still under investigation, killed Childrens of Alabama Hospital Respiratory Therapist Kyle Brandon Mabrey, 42, of McCalla, AL, who was also a famed pro bass angler.
Satellite views of the NS/McAdory School Road crossing, where up to 26 NS freights and Amtrak passenger trains pass at a maximum allowable speed of 79 mph on an average day, show not only dipping approach surfaces and no advisory signs telling motorists not to stop on the tracks. These things, as well as the front gate to a boat and goods storage yard within only a few feet of the railroad track, may have all or none been factors in the Sunday night tragedy.
The crossing, which does have both lights and gates, has been the site of six previous accidents involving trains and vehicles, all since the signalization was installed, which caused an earlier death and three non-fatal injuries.
Dr. Mabreys wife, Beth, is also a staff member at C of A Hospital, and the couple have a son, Evan, and a daughter, Emma. He was a well-known participant of the Professional Bass Fishing tour.
