Updated 06/25/2012 07:57 AM
Friends gather to support the family of Jeremy Barta
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A community is coming together to help the family of a man killed by a train earlier this year.
Jeremy Barta, 32, was driving his two children to school in April when the car got stuck on train tracks at a private crossing in North Austin. A Capital MetroRail train hit the car, killing Barta and injuring his children.
Two months later, friends spent their Sunday at Slick Willie’s pool hall in North Austin to hold an all-day fundraiser for Barta’s children. Barta’s brother, Josh, works at the pool hall, and general manager Robert Mercado said that when Jeremy was killed, everyone felt it.
"It didn't just affect his family, it affected the community at large,” Mercado said. “We lost somebody because of this accident and it is about how we as a community rally together to help that family and help each other."
Friends told YNN the children are still making steps toward recovery.
"It was a really tragic situation and it really makes you think, that you never know, and everyday live it to the fullest, and take care of your loved ones," supporter Anne Morris said.
The proceeds earned Sunday from a pool tournament, a raffle and food sales will go towards the family and their recovery.
A Capital Metro spokesperson said that while federal regulations do not require it, company policy requires trains to sound a bell at each private crossing to alert drivers.