A senior leader at Southern Pines-based K2 Solutions Inc. is among four people killed earlier this week when a freight train crashed into a parade float full of military veterans and their spouses.

Authorities say retired Army Sgt. Maj. Lawrence Boivin, 47, died at the scene of the accident in Midland, Tx. Boivin was director of support operations for K2 Solutions Inc. in Southern Pines, which provides logistics, canine training and intelligence and threat management consulting services.

Sixteen others were injured.

In a statement, the company said: "We, at K2, mourn the loss of our dear friend, an irreplaceable leader and K2 family member. Mr. Larry Boivin passed away on Thursday evening, Nov 15, in Midland, Texas. Larry served as our Executive Director for Operations and Support, as well as a Research and Development Program Manager and Subject Matter Expert in weapons, explosives and tactical training. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and many friends. Larry, we will always love and miss you."

Two of the other victims had North Carolina connections. Marine Sgt. Maj. Gary Stouffer, 37 was stationed at Camp Lejeune, while Army Sgt. Maj. William Lubbers, 43, was stationed at Fort Bragg.

The accident occurred Thursday afternoon when a Union Pacific freight train broadsided the veterans flag-adorned float as it sat on the tracks. The truck couldn’t move because it was blocked in, and witnesses said the victims had mere seconds to react.

Federal officials are investigating the accident.

Contact John Nagy at (910) 693-2507 or john@thepilot.com.