A rising young journalist, Grace Bentkowski, was struck and killed by a train at the Hegewisch South Shore station in Chicago, Illinois on July 25, 2024, prompting her devastated family to call for improved rail safety measures.
Bentkowski, 22, had just begun her career at NewsNation as an associate creative producer and had a promising future ahead of her. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of pedestrian crossings at rail stations.
She had recently graduated from Ball State University and was coming home to Dyer, Indiana, after leaving work early to run errands. According to her father, Phil Bentkowski, she was crossing the ground-level tracks at the station when she was struck by a train departing the platform. A large concrete pillar obstructed her view, and the train did not use a whistle, leaving her unaware of the approaching danger.
Phil Bentkowski described the incident to WGN 9 as the worst nightmare imaginable. He explained that there was no sound or warning before the impact, and when watching the video footage of the incident, all that could be heard was a thud before the engineer sounded the horn.
The impact of the train was so forceful that it reportedly threw Bentkowski 50 feet, causing severe internal injuries. Despite being rushed into emergency surgery at the University of Chicago Medical Center, she tragically died from her injuries.
The incident has led to strong demands from her family, who call for changes at the Hegewisch station to prevent future accidents. Her father emphasized that it is a serious safety issue, pointing out that it’s now 2024, yet there are still no “stop, look, listen” safety signs, which he found illogical.
The station is in a busy area of Chicago and requires pedestrians to cross active train tracks to access the parking lot. Despite the inherent dangers, no active warning systems like lights or gates have been implemented at the pedestrian crossings.
The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District, which operates the South Shore Line, has responded to the calls for safety improvements. According to a statement from the company, they are planning to add interim warning signs and are reaching out to an engineering firm to explore options for implementing more robust safety measures. These could include active warnings, such as lights or barriers, to alert pedestrians of oncoming trains. However, the investigation into the incident is ongoing, and it is unclear what specific changes will be made at the station.
While Bentkowski’s family continues to advocate for improved rail safety, they are planning further actions to prevent future tragedies. They firmly believe their daughter’s death could have been avoided if better safety measures had been in place.
Bentkowski’s grandmother, Maryann O’Neill, shared that they can’t bear the thought of another family going through the same heartbreak. She fondly remembered Grace as someone truly beautiful, both inside and out, who had known from a young age that journalism was her passion. Grace had a natural love for her work and was quickly recognized by those around her as a rising star in the industry.
After completing an internship at NewsNation and covering local elections in Indiana, she was hired as a producer just four months after graduating. Everyone around her felt her excitement and commitment, and she had a unique ability to brighten any space she entered.
NewsNation described Grace Bentkowski as a standout talent at the network. They highlighted her infectious passion for journalism and eagerness to learn every aspect of the TV news business, which deeply inspired her colleagues. Grace was also recognized as one of those rare individuals who brought light and energy into every room she entered.
Adian Bentkowski shared his sorrow through a GoFundMe page he set up to help cover the family’s expenses after the tragedy. He expressed how his sister was his closest friend and emphasized her profound impact on many people’s lives. Reflecting on her achievements, he wished she could have been with them longer.
By August 14, 2024, the fundraising page had raised over $29,000. The funds may also go toward establishing a journalism scholarship in her name at Ball State University, where she left a lasting influence as a mentor to her peers.
The South Shore Line’s safety improvements are still under review, though no definitive changes have been made. There is hope that Grace’s death will lead to safer crossings for future commuters. Her accident not only caused immense grief for her family but also drew attention to the dangers of pedestrian crossings at rail stations. Her father remains committed to pushing for changes to prevent other families from facing similar losses.