Glencoe, IL— A somber air descended on Glencoe Saturday morning when a Metra train on the Union Pacific North line struck and killed a 48-year-old Glencoe woman, identified by the Cook County Medical Examiner as Daniella V. Weisman, along with her dog. The incident occurred around 9:35 a.m. near the crossing of Green Bay Road and Maple Hill Road, according to village officials.
Upon arrival, first responders pronounced Weisman dead at the scene; tragically, her dog was also found deceased. The initial investigation suggests Weisman crossed the tracks heading west just as a southbound Metra train was approaching. The Metra Police Department and the Cook County Medical Examiner are overseeing the ongoing investigation.
Why this matters: Pedestrian fatalities on railroad tracks remain a concerning trend in the United States. According to federal data, thousands of pedestrians are killed or injured by trains each year—averaging roughly 500 fatalities annually. Smaller incidents like this tragedy in Glencoe serve as critical reminders of the importance of railway crossing awareness and public safety.
Community reaction: The Village of Glencoe released a statement expressing deep condolences: “The Village of Glencoe extends its most sincere condolences to the family and friends of the victim during this difficult time.” Local residents, while understandably shaken, have expressed a collective resolve to promote safety, with some encouraging neighbors to pause, look, and listen before crossing tracks—especially in areas serving busy commuter routes like Glencoe’s Metra station, which averages over 700 weekday boardings.
Expert perspective: Safety is a central concern for Metra, which engages in public awareness campaigns like Operation Lifesaver and increased police patrols on several lines—though it remains the owner’s responsibility to secure its North line crossings. Rail safety experts stress that behavioral interventions—like improved crossing design, education, and enhanced signaling—can meaningfully reduce pedestrian collisions.
Looking ahead: As the investigation continues to determine exact circumstances, Glencoe officials and rail safety advocates hope this tragedy may galvanize renewed attention to the hazards posed at commuter crossings. For many in the community, the painful loss of a neighbor and her pet underscores the stakes—encouraging ongoing conversations about vigilance, infrastructure, and shared responsibility around railroads.
