Auburn, AL - 22-Year-Old Man Killed After Train Strikes Car on Gay St

Auburn, AL (June 27, 2025) – Early Thursday morning, a collision took place in downtown Auburn involving a passenger vehicle and a train, claiming the life of a young man. On June 26, a 2017 Dodge Charger driven by 22-year-old Christian Smaw of Birmingham was struck by a train at the railroad crossing located on North Gay Street. Auburn Police Department officers were dispatched to the scene around 7:00 a.m. and found Smaw inside his heavily damaged vehicle suffering from critical injuries.

Emergency responders did everything they could to stabilize Smaw, administering lifesaving measures on-site. Sadly, despite their efforts, Smaw was pronounced dead at the scene by the Lee County Coroner’s Office. The coroner confirmed that Smaw’s remains will be transported to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences in Montgomery for further examination. The Auburn Police Department continues to look into what led to the fatal crash.

Our heartfelt sympathies go out to Christian Smaw’s family and friends during this very difficult time.

Car Accidents in Alabama

Each month, nearly 1000 people are injured as a result of motor vehicle accidents in our state. Far too often, these accidents are preventable. Many people are injured in accidents because of the negligence of others. Speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, and failure to yield are some of the top causes of accidents in Alabama. Regrettably, there is still a risk of being involved in an accident, even if you follow all the rules of the road.

Car accidents can result in a range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to severe head trauma or broken bones. The recovery process for these injuries can be long and challenging, both physically and emotionally. If you have been injured due to the negligence of another driver, it is essential to explore your legal options so that you can seek justice and compensation for your injuries. Contacting an experienced car accident lawyer is crucial to protect your legal rights and ensure that you receive the best possible outcome for your case.

At Cockrell, Cockrell, Ritchey & Ritchey, we understand the hardships that come with being a victim of injury or negligence. Our team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to providing trustworthy legal advice and fighting for justice on behalf of our clients. We are passionate about protecting our client's rights and ensuring that they receive the compensation they deserve.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else's actions, do not hesitate to reach out to us at 205-349-2009 for a consultation. Let Cockrell, Cockrell, Ritchey & Ritchey guide you towards achieving the justice you deserve.

Notes: Our writers relied on secondary sources to create this article. Our staff has not independently verified all of the circumstances surrounding this accident; therefore, if you find any incorrect information, please contact Cockrell, Cockrell, Ritchey & Ritchey, LLP immediately so that we can update the post to reflect the most accurate information available. The post may be deleted upon request.

Disclaimer: This post's content is not intended to serve as legal or medical advice. The image used in this post was not taken at the described accident scene. This post is not intended as a business solicitation.