The coroner has released the identity of a 15-year-old girl, who was a Mundelein High School student, who died after being struck by a train in Mundelein as the school offers support to her fellow classmates.
An autopsy performed Monday showed that Sylvia Bond, 15, of Mundelein, died as a result of blunt force injuries, according to Lake County Chief Deputy Coroner Steve Newton.
The Mundelein Police Department and Mundelein Fire Department responded around 2:20 p.m. Saturday to the area of 209 East Park Street in Mundelein for a report of a train-involved crash.
Emergency crews arrived and found a pedestrian, later identified as Bond, who had been struck by a train, according to emergency radio traffic.
Bond was pinned underneath the train when responders arrived and was unconscious and not breathing.
Mundelein Police Department Commander Rick Wilfenger said Bond was pronounced dead at the scene.
Bond was a student at Mundelein High School and the school said in a letter to families that it was “with profound sadness” to share the news of her death.
“Our thoughts are with family, friends, classmates, and all those who are grieving this loss. The death of a young person can affect individuals in many different ways. Some students may experience sadness, confusion, anger, or other strong emotions, while others may not show an immediate reaction,” school officials said.
The letter said the school encourages families to check in with their children and provide opportunities for them to talk about their feelings and concerns.
Members of the Mundelein High School Student Services Team were available this week to provide support to students.
The Lake County Coroner’s Office was notified and responded to take possession of the girl for an autopsy.
Wilfenger said the victim was struck by a southbound Canadian National freight train.
The incident happened on the Canadian National Railway along Metra’s North Central Service (NCS) line.
The NCS line does not operate on the weekend.
The Canadian National Police Service responded to the scene to investigate with the Mundelein Police Department.
Police said numerous crossings in town were blocked and unavailable to traffic due to the incident.
Those included the crossings at Route 176, Park Street, Morris Avenue and Hawley Street.
“Motorists are advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes until further notice. Please allow for additional travel time and follow all posted detours and directions from emergency personnel,” the police department said.
“We appreciate your patience and cooperation as officers work to safely manage the situation. Updates will be provided as they become available,” the department added.
Wilfenger said the railroad crossing signals were all working properly in the area of the collision.
There were no known witnesses except for the train’s engineer, Wilfenger said, adding that he could not comment yet whether it was believed to have been an accident or not.
Newton said Bond’s manner of death has not been determined by the coroner’s office yet.
School officials say Bond’s family has requested privacy to grieve.
“As a community, we will continue to support one another and share information regarding services or memorial arrangements as it becomes available, in consultation with the family,” the school said in the letter.
The circumstances of the crash remain under investigation by the Mundelein Police Department and the Canadian National Police Service.