The church and family of an Arkansas pastor are grieving the loss of his two daughters after the family’s vehicle was hit by an oncoming train. The pastor and his son survived the crash but are still in the hospital.

According to THV11, the incident happened while the Fryar family traveled east on Richwoods Road. Rachel, the pastor’s wife, was at home at the time. Their vehicle crossed the Union Pacific Railroad tracks just as a northbound train approached, hitting the car’s passenger side. The impact forced the vehicle to lodge in front of the train, pushing it 2,400 feet before both came to a halt.

The Crossroads Cowboy Church expressed its devastation online, saying, “We are devastated by the tragic events and the loss of Marlee Jo and Dana Kate. Chad and Bo Henry are stable in local hospitals. Please continue to pray for their healing. Please pray for Rachel as she navigates this loss and ministers to her son and husband.”

The Fryar family shared updates on their condition: “Chad is in good spirits and being his normal self. Doctors are still discussing the length of his stay, but they are keeping him in ICU so they can monitor him.” Bo Henry’s surgery reportedly went better than anticipated, and the young boy is being commended for his resilience.

The church’s Facebook page posted, “We’ve had lots of questions about what we can do for our precious Fryar 5. Right now, we are working closely with Crossroads El Paso to set up an account where donations can be made. If any kids in the community would like to make something special for Bo Henry and his family, you can drop it off at JA Farms Feed and Mercantile, and we will make sure they get it. Praise report that Bo Henry and Chad were able to talk on the phone this morning!”

Pastor Ron Riddle of Crossroads Cowboy Church in El Paso, an acquaintance of the Fryar family, also expressed deep grief, saying, “ Just became a part of my personal family, and we just love the Fryars so much.” Riddle also described the Fryars as close-knit and the kind of church family everyone would want to have.” He continued, “Just trust that God has bigger plans, things we cannot see yet.”

Riddle admitted that he struggles with questions about why such a tragic event happened. As the community rallies around the Fryars, the church continues to conduct its scheduled services. The congregation also expresses faith in their resilience and God’s plan amid the heartbreak. “Come as you are; God will meet you where you are at! The first time you’re a guest, the second time you’re family,” was the church’s Facebook page message. Pastor Riddle said, “God’s got this. He’s in control.”