The Lake County Coroner's Office has identified the teenager fatally struck by a freight train on Park Street as 15-year-old Sylvia Bond, a Mundelein High School student. Officials say crossing signals were working, and the investigation continues.
The Lake County Coroner's Office has identified the teenager killed by a freight train in downtown Mundelein last weekend as Sylvia Bond, 15, of Mundelein, a student at Mundelein High School.
Officials described the death as a moment of "profound sadness" for the community.
What we know
- Victim: Sylvia Bond, 15, a Mundelein High School student
- When: Saturday, June 13, at about 2:20 p.m.
- Where: 209 East Park Street, along Metra's North Central Service line
- Cause of death: Blunt force injuries
- Manner of death: Not yet determined
Bond was struck by a southbound Canadian National freight train and found pinned underneath, unconscious and not breathing. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation
Chief Deputy Coroner Steve Newton confirmed Bond's identity. The Mundelein Police Department and the Canadian National Police Service are leading the investigation.
Key points from investigators so far:
- The railroad crossing signals were working at the time
- There were no known witnesses other than the train engineer
- Metra's North Central Service line does not run on weekends, but freight trains still use the tracks
- A manner of death has not been determined
Support for students
Mundelein High School said it is offering counseling and support through its Student Services Team, and acknowledged that students may react in many different ways.
"Our thoughts are with family, friends, classmates, and all those who are grieving this loss. Some students may experience sadness, confusion, anger, or other strong emotions." — Mundelein High School
Bond's family has asked for privacy as they grieve.
Background
The crash forced the closure of several rail crossings — Route 176, Park Street, Morris Avenue, and Hawley Street — and snarled traffic across the village for hours. (See our earlier report: Pedestrian Killed by Freight Train in Mundelein.)
Resources
Rail crossing deaths are preventable. Operation Lifesaver urges everyone to stay off railroad tracks, which are private property where trains can approach quietly from either direction at any time. Anyone in crisis can reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.