Police: Death of Downers Grove Man on Metra Tracks Likely Intentional

The man killed by an eastbound Metra commuter train near downtown Downers Grove on Tuesday likely intended to be struck, police said.

DuPage County Coroner Richard Jorgensen confirmed that a 21-year-old Downers Grove resident died around 9:45 a.m. Tuesday after he disobeyed Forest Avenue crossing gates that were down and was struck by a train that was preparing to stop at the Downers Grove-Main Street station.

On Friday, Downers Grove Police Lt. Michael Willison said the investigation is still ongoing, but that preliminary information suggests the man "may have intentionally placed himself in the path of the oncoming train."

Jorgensen said initial findings show the man died of multiple head and chest traumas, but whether he intended to be hit or was accidentally hit has not yet been determined.

"Our investigation is ongoing," he said.

Tuesday's was the third of three fatal pedestrian incidents involving eastbound Metra trains along a short stretch of BNSF tracks.

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On Thursday, March 7, a 31-year-old Hickory Hills man was struck by a train at the Cass Avenue crossing in Westmont. Then on Monday, March 18, a 42-year-old Clarendon Hills man stepped in front of a train at the West Hinsdale train station.

Though Hinsdale Police Chief Brad Bloom said witnesses and surveillance video suggest the Clarendon Hills man intended to be hit, Jorgensen said the coroner's office is still investigating all three incidents and their causes.

Editor's Note: Although the name of the Downers Grove man has been released to the public, it is Patch policy to refrain from reporting the identities of suicide victims.

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