Young Journalist Dies After Being Struck By Train

A promising young journalist’s life was tragically cut short when she was struck by a train in Chicago, leaving her family and colleagues devastated and demanding answers about rail safety.

At a Glance

Grace Bentkowski, 22, a NewsNation journalist, was killed by a train at Hegewisch South Shore station in Chicago.
The incident occurred while she was commuting home, with obstructed visibility due to a concrete pillar.
Her family claims no horn was blown before the train accelerated and struck her.
The tragedy has sparked calls for improved safety measures at the transit hub.
NewsNation described Bentkowski as a “rising star” with a passion for journalism.

Tragic Loss of a Rising Star

Grace Bentkowski, a 22-year-old creative producer for NewsNation, lost her life on July 25 when she was struck by a train at the Hegewisch South Shore station in Chicago. The young journalist, who had recently graduated from Ball State University in Indiana, had just begun her dream job at NewsNation in May.

The incident occurred as Bentkowski was crossing the tracks to reach the parking lot after exiting her train. Her family, who had been tracking her commute using the Life360 app, learned of the accident through a delay notice on the South Shore website. Despite being rushed to the University of Chicago Medical Center, Bentkowski succumbed to her internal injuries after hours of surgery.

Safety Concerns and Investigation

The tragic accident has raised serious questions about rail safety at the Hegewisch station. Bentkowski’s family viewed video footage of the incident, which they claim shows no horn was blown by the conductor before the train accelerated and struck her. The visibility at the crossing was reportedly obstructed by a concrete pillar.

“It’s the worst nightmare ever,” her devastated dad, Phil Bentkowski, told WGN9. “[There was] no noise, no nothing. From the video all you hear is a thud. Then the engineer blows a horn.”

The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD), which operates the South Shore Line, has announced plans to install interim warning signs and consult an engineering firm for additional safety measures. Metra, which owns most of the station, has also stated it will review the incident.

Grace Bentkowski, 22, died after stepping off a train July 25 at the Hegewisch South Shore station and being struck by another train leaving the platform.

Her family is pushing for rail safety.https://t.co/5ubU8yvTKC

— Chicago Sun-Times (@Suntimes) August 14, 2024

A Life Full of Promise

Bentkowski’s untimely death has left a void in the hearts of her family, friends, and colleagues. NewsNation praised her passion and impact in a statement, highlighting her dedication to journalism and her infectious enthusiasm for learning.

“Grace Bentkowski was a rising star at NewsNation,” Jonathan Killian, Vice President, Creative Marketing and Brand Standards, stated. “Her passion for journalism and eagerness to learn the ropes was infectious and her willingness to jump in and learn the TV news business was inspiring to her colleagues. Grace was one of those rare people who brought light into any room in which she entered.”

A GoFundMe campaign organized by Bentkowski’s brother has raised over $28,000 for medical costs, cremation, and a celebration of her life. The outpouring of support demonstrates the impact she had on those around her during her short but meaningful life.

Call for Action

In the wake of this tragedy, Bentkowski’s family is demanding better rail safety measures at the transit hub. Her father, Phil Bentkowski, is raising awareness about the safety issues at the station, criticizing the lack of proper warning signs and safety precautions.

“It’s such a safety issue, this is 2024,” Phil Bentkowski said. “I don’t understand why there aren’t ‘stop, look, listen’ safety signs — it makes no sense.”

As investigations continue and safety measures are reviewed, the loss of Grace Bentkowski serves as a stark reminder of the importance of rail safety and the need for constant vigilance in protecting commuters. Her passion for journalism and the impact she made in her short career will not be forgotten, and her tragic death may lead to improvements that could save lives in the future.