Mother Of The Killeen, TX Girl Killed By A Train Speaks Out

The mother of the girl who was killed by an oncoming freight train wants to make sure this sort tragedy never happens to anybody ever again.

What Happened?

Earlier this week, the Killeen High School community founds itself mourning the loss a student who was killed by an oncoming train near the school.

Armando Menchaca was an eyewitness at the scene while picking up his daughter from a late release at Killeen High School. He described what happened to our news partners at KWTX as "horrific", and described seeing 15-year-old Senia Aguilera trying to jump the train tracks but not making it across in time as the train approached.

The Mother Speaks Out

According to KWTX, Aguilera's mom, Rebecca Attaway, was yards away from the tracks waiting on Senia where the incident occurred.

Senia's sister, Noemi, was also with Attaway and told KWTX it's a normal thing for students to come over the tracks, and it's something others do on a regular basis.

That's something Attaway wants to change. She told KWTX:

“If it’s the last thing me and my sister do, we’re going to make sure something gets done. Anything that we can do to keep kids from crossing the railroad tracks.”

What Does The Railroad Company Have To Say?

There is a sign warning anyone not to cross the railroad at the location where the incident occurred. According to KWTX, railroad company BNSF emailed a statement pointing to local authorities when determining crossing signals and gates.

“While we do have some barriers and fences in certain locations along our right of way, it is not possible to completely cover our 32,500-mile network. We do have no trespassing signs all around our network, and BNSF Police patrol our right of way to enhance safety and security,”

Senia's Mother Rebecca Attaway Mourns The Loss Of Her Daughter

Rebecca Attaway sadly told KWTX that she misses her daughter.

“I just want her back. I’m not going to be able to cope with her being gone, not walking through my house, not seeing her. The only thing I can just remember, how she used to look, her bun on the back of her head, how she used to just walk with that little twist.”

She described her daughter as outgoing, outspoken, and caring.

What's Next?

A GoFundMe has been set up to assist with Senia Aguilera’s funeral costs. A balloon release and vigil will be held at 6 PM Thursday, March 10 at Stewart Park, 1702 N. 24th Street in Killeen. Anyone who wishes to support the family and mourn Senia's passing is welcome, and may bring purple, blue, or black balloons.

Have You Had Any Of This Recalled Beef Jerky?

If you had beef jerky recently, or have a supply of jerky in your home you may want to trash it.

What’s Going On?

The USDA (Department of Agriculture) is putting out a recall on beef jerky products.

Last week, Boyd Specialties LLC, recalled over 1600 pounds of ready-to-eat jerky products that may be contaminated with listeria.

According to the announcement, there have been no confirmed reports of reactions due to the jerky and if anyone is concerned about an illness they should contact their healthcare provider.

The Food Service And Inspection Service suggests that if beef jerky is in your pantry or cabinets, it should be also thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

What is Listeria, And What Are The Effects Of It?

According to the announcement, listeria infection can be deadly to people with weakened immune systems, it also spreads beyond the gastrointestinal tract.

It has been known to cause complications during pregnancy such as miscarriage, premature delivery, and life-threatening infections to the newborn,

Reportedly, it can also cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

Is There A Cure, Can Listeriosis Be Treated?

According to the USDA announcement, Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics.

I know there are a lot of Texans who enjoy beef jerky and flavored beef jerky.

If I were you, I would take the advice of the United States Department Of Agriculture and wait to purchase jerky until there's an update.

Here are a list of jerky being recalled:

Here Are 10 Cool Central Texas AirBnB's You Should Check Out

If you are curious about what kind of Airbnb rentals this area has to offer take a few minutes of your time and check these out!

I was on Airbnb's website last week booking a place for relatives who are coming to visit and ran across a few really cool spots in Temple, Belton, Killeen, and Salado.

5 Sweet Bakeries To Check Out In Killeen, Texas

We all get a sweet tooth every now and then right?

But what do we do when it happens?

Do you go to the kitchen and bake a cake? Maybe hook up some cupcakes?

Cookies? perhaps?

Or do you visit the grocery store or your favorite bakery?

If your choice is to visit your favorite bakery I got a few bakeries that caught my eye that you may want to check out here in the Killeen area, if there's one or two we didn't mention that you go to, by all means, let us know!

In the meantime check out these 5 bakeries in Killeen: