Community Reeling After Unexpected Loss of Young Journalist

A promising young journalist’s life was tragically cut short in a devastating accident, leaving her family and colleagues grappling for answers and calling for increased safety measures.

At a Glance

Grace Bentkowski, a 22-year-old NewsNation journalist, was killed by a train at Hegewisch South Shore station
The accident occurred while Bentkowski was crossing ground-level tracks to reach a parking lot
Family and colleagues are advocating for improved safety measures at the station
The incident has sparked discussions about pedestrian safety at railroad crossings

Tragic Loss of a Rising Star

Grace Bentkowski, a 22-year-old creative producer for NewsNation in Chicago, was struck and killed by a train at the Hegewisch South Shore station on July 25. The incident occurred as Bentkowski was commuting home to Dyer, Indiana, after work. The young journalist, a recent graduate of Ball State University, had just begun her dream job at NewsNation after interning with the network and covering Indiana’s local elections.

The tragic accident has left Bentkowski’s family, friends, and colleagues in shock and mourning. NewsNation released a statement expressing their grief: “Grace Bentkowski was a rising star at NewsNation. Her passion for journalism and eagerness to learn the ropes was infectious and her willingness to jump in and learn the TV news business was inspiring to her colleagues. Grace was one of those rare people who brought light into any room in which she entered.”

Grace Bentkowski, 22, died after stepping off a train July 25 at the Hegewisch South Shore station and being struck by another train leaving the platform.

Her family is pushing for rail safety.https://t.co/5ubU8yvTKC

— Chicago Sun-Times (@Suntimes) August 14, 2024

Safety Concerns at the Station

The circumstances surrounding Bentkowski’s death have raised serious questions about safety measures at the Hegewisch South Shore station. The station’s configuration requires riders to walk over ground-level tracks to reach a parking lot, and Bentkowski’s view was reportedly obstructed by a large concrete pillar when she crossed the tracks. Notably, the train did not sound its whistle before the accident.

“It’s the worst nightmare ever,” her devastated dad, Phil Bentkowski, noted.

Bentkowski’s family is now advocating for increased safety measures, including signage and safety arms at the crossings. The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) and Metra are reviewing the incident and have announced plans to add interim warning signs and explore further safety enhancements.

A Life Cut Short

Grace Bentkowski was not just a promising journalist; she was a beloved daughter, friend, and colleague. She had recently graduated from Ball State University and was planning to move into an apartment in downtown Chicago with her boyfriend. Her passion for journalism was evident from a young age, and she excelled both in high school and at university.

“She embodied her name. She always led us by being a family,” NewsLink news director Abby Urban told WGN News. “A lot of us were mentored by her and even with her new job she was making sure we were comfortable. Now, lacking that support has been hard on us.”

The tragedy has sparked a larger conversation about pedestrian safety at railroad crossings. As investigations continue, Bentkowski’s family and colleagues are determined to ensure that her untimely death leads to meaningful changes that could prevent similar accidents in the future.

“She was in the news. She loved the news. And if this is her way of knocking me on the shoulder saying, ‘Dad, this got to be on the news, we have to get this word out. It has to be,'” Bentkowski said.

As the community mourns the loss of a bright young talent, they are also united in their resolve to honor Grace Bentkowski’s memory by advocating for improved safety measures that could save lives in the future.