Brent Davis, 38, was pronounced dead at the scene after trying to save a woman from an oncoming train
Brandy Davis/GoFundMe
NEED TO KNOW
- Driver Brent Davis, 38, died after a train collided with his car that was stuck on the railroad tracks in Georgia
- A passenger in the vehicle was taken to a hospital in critical condition, authorities said
- The man’s family praised their loved one for his bravery in getting the passenger out of the vehicle
In his final moments, a son called his dad to say his car was stuck on the railroad tracks, and then he died trying to rescue the car's other occupant from an oncoming train.
In a statement to PEOPLE, Georgia's DeKalb County Police Department said that authorities responded to a report of a collision involving a car and a train on E. Ponce De Leon Avenue and N. Clarendon Avenue in the early morning hours of Feb. 10.
Based on preliminary information, police say “the vehicle was stopped on the tracks and the driver was trying to help the passenger get out before the train arrived."
The male driver, identified as Brent Davis, 38, at the scene, while the female passenger was taken to the hospital in critical condition.
“The investigation is ongoing,” the department said.
A CSX train was involved in the crash, a spokesperson with the railroad company confirmed to PEOPLE in a statement also shared on Thursday.
“CSX extends its deepest sympathies to everyone impacted by this tragic incident and continues to support local law enforcement as they complete the investigation,” the railroad company’s statement read.
In an interview with NBC affiliate WXIA, Stanley Davis, Brent’s father, said his son called him minutes before the collision.
"He told me his car had broken down on the train tracks," Stanley said.
However, before he could say much more, Stanley said, “The young lady he was with, she was talking, and he said, 'Dad, let me call you back.' "
"And that was the last time I heard from him," he added.
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Stanley also told ABC affiliate WSB that it doesn’t surprise him that Brent would commit a selfless act.
“This is something I know he would’ve did for anyone,” Stanley told the outlet.
Brandy Davis, Brent’s sister who organized a GoFundMe to pay for funeral expenses, described her brother as a protector who ensured everyone in the family was okay.
“His kindness and selflessness touched everyone who knew him, and he never hesitated to put others before himself,” Brandy wrote.
“He died doing what he always did best—protecting someone he cared about," she added. "His loss has left a huge hole in our hearts, and our family is struggling to come to terms with this sudden tragedy."
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