The Dawson County community is mourning the sudden and tragic loss of Scott and Kathy Maline, a Kearney couple whose lives were cut short Friday morning after their vehicle was struck by a Union Pacific train.

According to the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), deputies were called just before 8:30 a.m. to reports of a crash involving a train near the intersection of Road 427 and Highway 30. When authorities arrived, they discovered a white Buick Enclave in the south ditch just north of the railroad tracks. The vehicle had sustained catastrophic damage.

Inside the vehicle, deputies found the driver, 73-year-old Scott Maline, and his passenger, 71-year-old Kathy Maline, both deceased at the scene.

Details of the Incident
The sheriff’s office’s preliminary investigation determined that the Malines’ vehicle was traveling northbound on Road 427 when it entered the uncontrolled railroad crossing and was struck by an empty westbound Union Pacific train. The impact of the collision sent the vehicle into the ditch, leaving no chance for survival.

Authorities confirmed that the crossing was uncontrolled, meaning there were no crossing arms or lights at the intersection — only signage to warn of trains. Incidents at such crossings, while uncommon, often carry devastating consequences.

Responding agencies included the Nebraska State Patrol, Lexington Fire and Rescue, Priority Medical, Union Pacific Railroad, and Randy and Brian’s Towing, all of whom assisted at the scene.

Remembering Scott and Kathy
Scott and Kathy Maline were long-time members of the Kearney community, admired for their kindness, devotion to one another, and the warm friendships they nurtured throughout their lives.

Scott, 73, was known as a hardworking and dependable man, respected by colleagues, neighbors, and friends. Those close to him say he carried himself with integrity and lived with a quiet strength that inspired others. Kathy, 71, was remembered for her compassion, warmth, and dedication to family and community. She was the type of person who always had time to listen, offer encouragement, and bring comfort to others.

Together, Scott and Kathy built a life rooted in love, faith, and togetherness. Their partnership was evident to all who knew them. Whether attending community events, enjoying time with friends, or sharing moments with family, the couple embodied the values of loyalty, kindness, and resilience.

Community Grief and Support
News of their deaths has sent shockwaves through Dawson County and Kearney. Friends and neighbors have shared heartfelt tributes, remembering the Malines as a couple who represented the very best of small-town values. Their loss is not only felt by their immediate family but also by an extended network of friends and acquaintances who were touched by their generosity and friendship.

Local leaders expressed condolences, urging the community to rally around the Maline family during this difficult time. “Scott and Kathy were known and loved by many,” one neighbor shared. “Their passing leaves a hole in our hearts that will not be easily filled.”

A Tragic Reminder
The crash highlights the dangers of uncontrolled railroad crossings. Authorities have encouraged drivers to remain vigilant when approaching such intersections, stressing the importance of stopping, looking, and listening before proceeding across tracks.

While the investigation remains ongoing, officials have not indicated any wrongdoing, instead focusing on the heartbreaking nature of the incident and the profound loss suffered by the Maline family and the Kearney community.

A Lasting Legacy
Though their lives ended in tragedy, Scott and Kathy Maline will be remembered for the joy, love, and stability they brought to others. Their legacy will live on in the family they cherished, the friendships they built, and the countless memories created over the course of their lives together.

Funeral arrangements and memorial details are expected to be announced in the coming days, giving family, friends, and the wider community a chance to gather, honor their lives, and say their final goodbyes.

For now, the Dawson County community grieves the sudden loss of two of its own, leaning on one another for strength and comfort as they remember Scott and Kathy Maline.