Officer succumbs to injuries from collision with train: 'We ask you to pray for Vidal's family and friends'

A Houston police officer who was involved in a collision with a train last week died on Monday, according to Houston-based media outlets. 

Houston Chief of Police Troy Finner announced the death of 42-year-old Vidal Lopez, tweeting the officer was with family at the time of his passing, Houston CBS affiliate KHOU reported. 

“We ask you to pray for Vidal's family and friends, and respect the family's wish of privacy during this difficult time,” Finner said in the tweet.

KHOU reported that Lopez, a 20-year veteran of the force, and his wife were expecting a child. 

According to the station, he was on his way to work in his personal vehicle on Wednesday, Dec. 7 when he reportedly drove around the crossing gate arms fronting the tracks at Fulton Street east of I-45 North and north of Loop 610 North only to collide with an oncoming train.

Houston ABC affiliate KTRK reported that Lopez was subsequently transported to Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center where he had been listed in critical condition. 

The station reported that Lopez was the sole occupant of the Jeep at the time of the accident. 

The Houston Police Department (HPD) employed him in its Technology Services department.

Houston FOX affiliate KRIV reported that when he was at the hospital, Lopez’s spouse, Maritza, whispered in his ear the gender of their first child. 

Houston Police Officers’ Union (HPOU) Executive Director Ray Hunt, a very good friend of the late officer, told the station the couple were supposed to host a gender reveal party so Maritza telling him was the closest thing. 

KRIV reported that funeral arrangements are pending.