Thomas Seonbuchner, 61, Was Killed by an Amtrak Train on November 17 in Brookfield, Wis

On Thursday night in Brookfield, an Amtrak train struck and killed an individual aged 60 years. This happened when their vehicle attempted to go around crossing gates which eventually caused it to collide into the train’s path and crash into it.

Everybody familiar with Iowa State will attest that Sam Seonbuchner was an integral player at the ‘F’ position for the Cyclones, earning second-team All-Big 12 recognition both years. He received this honor.

Early Life and Education

Thomas Seonbuchner was only 61 when his car was hit by an Amtrak Empire Builder train on November 17 in Brookfield. Seonbuchner had been driving around train crossing gates when it collided with him; none of the 183 passengers aboard this train were hurt during this accident.

He graduated Iowa State University as a star tight end, helping lead them to two Big 12 titles. Subsequently, in 2021 he took up an offensive assistant position with Wisconsin-Eau Claire’s tight ends and running backs as an offensive coach.

Professional Career

On Thursday night in Brookfield, Wisconsin an Amtrak train traveling towards Chicago collided with a car on Brookfield Road south of River Road and Thomas Seonbuchner was killed as they attempted to bypass gates blocking the train crossing. Police believe he tried driving around them instead.

He earned two honorable mention All-Big 12 selections at tight end for the Cyclones, serving as an integral component in their offensive game plan and helping create holes for their running game. Furthermore, he played a pivotal role on their interior defensive line recording 38 tackles, 9.5 TFL hits, and nine QB hurries; truly an unsung hero who will be greatly missed.

Personal Life

On November 17, an Amtrak train crashed into a parked car on the tracks in Brookfield and fatally injured Thomas Seonbuchner, 61 years old. Police believe he may have been operating his vehicle when trying to bypass gates blocking railroad crossing gates – however no injuries occurred among its 183 passengers or crew aboard this journey.

Seonbuchner was recognized twice with honorable mention All-Big 12 selection at Iowa State, serving as tight end. He helped develop current Cyclones tight ends Austin Belot (All-Big 12 in 2021) as well as many others at that position. Seonbuchner graduated from ISU.

He is survived by Al, Linda and Barb Seonbuchner as well as Eric (Olivia) and Liz Seonbuchner; as well as great-grandchild Kai Seonbuchner. A funeral service will be held Tuesday August 30th at Schramka Funeral Home Thiensville Wisconsin.