Tavianna Ellegant, Douglas Craddock Obituary, Death – Authorities have released the identities of the two victims who died in a tragic collision involving an Amtrak train in Pass Christian earlier this week. The accident took place Tuesday evening at the Davis Avenue railroad crossing, a location that has now become the focus of grief and investigation.
Harrison County Coroner Brian Switzer confirmed that the victims were Douglas Craddock and Tavianna Ellegant, both residents of Long Beach, Mississippi. Craddock, who was driving the vehicle, was rushed to Ochsner Hancock hospital following the crash. Despite emergency efforts, he was pronounced dead around 8 p.m. that evening. His passenger, Ellegant, was killed instantly and declared dead at the scene by responding officials.
Few details about how the crash unfolded have been made available. The collision occurred as an Amtrak train traveled through the Davis Avenue crossing, striking the vehicle occupied by Craddock and Ellegant. Investigators are working to determine whether warning signals at the crossing were operational at the time and whether driver error, mechanical malfunction, or other factors contributed to the deadly incident.
The City of Pass Christian issued a brief statement acknowledging the crash and the loss of life, while also noting that more information would be shared once the investigation is complete. Both local law enforcement and railroad officials are collaborating in the inquiry, which remains ongoing.
The sudden and violent nature of the crash has left the Long Beach and Pass Christian communities shaken. The Davis Avenue crossing, like many others along the Gulf Coast, is a site where vehicle and rail traffic intersect daily. Though such accidents are rare, when they do occur, they are often fatal given the size and speed of passenger trains.
Friends and family of the victims are now mourning the devastating loss. Craddock, remembered as a devoted father and hardworking community member, had deep ties to Long Beach. Loved ones describe him as someone who enjoyed spending time with his family and was known for his kindness. Ellegant, meanwhile, is being remembered as a bright and vibrant young woman whose future was full of promise. Her sudden passing has left her loved ones grappling with deep sorrow.
The crash also raises renewed concerns about railroad safety across the region. While Amtrak and local municipalities work to maintain safety systems, railroad crossings can still pose dangers, particularly at intersections without advanced barriers or gates. Investigators are expected to review whether flashing lights, signals, and other warnings were active when the train approached Davis Avenue. They will also examine the train’s event recorder and interview witnesses to piece together the final moments leading to the collision.
Amtrak, which operates trains along the Gulf Coast corridor, has expressed condolences to the victims’ families. The company has pledged to cooperate fully with investigators to ensure that all aspects of the accident are carefully examined. Train service through the area resumed after the crash, though it was delayed for several hours Tuesday night while emergency crews responded.
For the residents of Pass Christian and Long Beach, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks at rail crossings. Community members have already begun to rally around the families of Craddock and Ellegant, offering support, prayers, and comfort during a time of profound grief.
While investigators work to provide clarity on what led to the fatal collision, the loss of two lives is already deeply felt across the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The outcome of the investigation may eventually bring answers, but for now, the focus remains on remembering Douglas Craddock and Tavianna Ellegant, whose lives ended far too soon in a heartbreaking accident.
