Blair resident Allan Love Jr., brother of Matthew Love, confirmed at the scene that his brother is a "railfan" — a train enthusiast — who was part of a caravan of several vehicles "chasing" the UP train traveling from Omaha to North Platte.
Actively chasing trains on busy public roads is both dangerous and damaging to the hobby. I've seen far too many videos where it's clear the driver's attention is on anything but the road. Often the chasers will drive too fast or too slow (often both) and then criticize other drivers who aren't part of the mindless frenzy and in reality have done nothing wrong. If you want to chase trains then borrow a friend or family member to drive you. They can focus on the road while you focus on the train. Or use a drone or settle for a stationary shot. No need to risk the lives of others for a simple hobby.
Surprised they haven't taken to using drones...or perhaps they have...
Oh they have. One time a property owner along the route shot one down. The foamer then started a GoFund me to buy a new drone and camera.
I never thought I'd feel sympathy for a drone operator but there you go. Curious to see what this loose canon ends up aiming for next time. A tire? A window? A flesh wound? A kill shot? There's really no telling how far this mentally challenged "property owner" might go next time.