HOUSTON — A Milby High School student's death sent shockwaves through the community.
The community is stepping up, hoping to relieve some of the financial burden for 15-year-old Sergio Rodriguez's family.
Southeast Houston is a small community with a big heart. Anthony Cutaia has seen it time and time again.
"Everybody does come together and do their part," Cutaia said.
The community is sadly coming back together during a time of tragedy, just days after Milby High School sophomore Sergio Rodriguez died -- hit by a train on his way to school.
"We’re on the same set of tracks that they’re on. So it just hits a little harder."
Everyone has a gift. Sometimes it's a shoulder to cry on. And for the people at Perfect Choice BBQ, it's food. And they are giving their time to preparing it. They have help from people like the Gloria brothers.
"Community is all about is us coming together at times like this," said Jacob Gloria.
"Our hearts go out to them times like this we come together as a community," said Roy Gloria.
Roy went to Milby and says the train issue isn't new.
President of Greater Houston League of United Latin American Citizens Sergio Lira says he's been addressing the issue since 2020 when a parent notified him about students crossing under a stalled train.
"It’s unfortunate that something tragic has to happen in order for folks to be provoked to do something about it," Lira said.
There's a emotional cost to this lost, and and financial cost. After getting permission from the Rodriguez family, they began to organize a benefit.
"You want to relieve that burden that financial burden and concern from the parents, so the community has responded tremendously," said Lira.
The call went out Tuesday, requesting donations to fuel a BBQ benefit scheduled for December 21. They have just about everything they need aside from a few more dozen brisket and more support.
Thursday, friends and family are invited to a memorial service and balloon release for Sergio. It's happening at 4 p.m. at Milby.