Local News
3 killed after car crashes into freight train in Harvey, victims identified
No injuries were reported among the train crew or passengers, CSX stated.
A tragic crash in the south suburbs on Wednesday resulted in the deaths of three people, following a devastating collision with a freight train.
The incident occurred at approximately 12:31 p.m. near 152nd Street and Park Avenue in Harvey, close to Thornton Township High School.
Emergency crews spent about eight hours on the scene, investigating the deadly crash and its aftermath.
According to officials from CSX Transportation, a vehicle ignored the lowered crossing gates and collided with the side of a freight train.
The three individuals inside the vehicle suffered fatal injuries as a result of the impact.
The Cook County Medical Examiner confirmed the deaths, identifying the victims as Kimberly Kimmy Kim, Crystal Jakubowski, and Keith (last name not released).
No injuries were reported among the train crew or passengers, CSX stated.
At this time, the exact circumstances leading up to the crash remain unclear. It is not yet known why the driver bypassed the crossing gates.
CSX, in cooperation with Illinois State Police and the Harvey Police Department, is conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of the collision.
Although Dolton police were present at the scene, CSX clarified that they are not handling the investigation.
As of now, no further details have been released, and the investigation is ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist with the inquiry.
Local News
29-Year-Old Alex Rodriguez Found Dead on University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, No Foul Play Suspected
URBANA, Ill. — A 29-year-old Champaign man found dead on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus Monday morning has been identified as Alex C. Rodriguez, according to the Champaign County Coroner’s Office.
The University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) responded to the area of Green and Wright streets at approximately 6:42 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive person near the Alma Mater statue.
Officers arrived and found Rodriguez on a concrete bench. Emergency medical assistance was requested at the scene.
The Champaign County Coroner’s Office responded, and Rodriguez was pronounced dead at approximately 7:16 a.m., according to Coroner Laurie Brauer.
Authorities said Rodriguez was not affiliated with the University of Illinois.
UIPD provided an update Monday afternoon, saying preliminary observations at the scene revealed no signs of foul play.
Police also said there was no evidence of an ongoing threat to the university campus or surrounding community based on the information available when officers responded.
Because investigators did not identify an active threat, the university did not issue an Illini-Alert emergency notification.
The circumstances surrounding Rodriguez’s death have not been determined.
An autopsy has been scheduled, and the death remains under investigation by the University of Illinois Police Department.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances leading to Rodriguez’s death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected as investigators receive further information from the autopsy and other evidence.
No foul play has been indicated based on the preliminary investigation.