A grieving father has raised concerns about the safety of a Chicago-area train station after his 22-year-old daughter was tragically killed by a South Shore Line train. The incident occurred two weeks ago when Grace, a local journalist, was struck by a westbound train as she attempted to cross the tracks at the Hegewisch station.
Her father, filled with sorrow and unanswered questions, is now seeking accountability and demanding improvements to prevent future tragedies.
The Incident
On the day of the incident, Grace was returning home to Dyer, Northwest Indiana, after a day of work. As she had done many times before, she took the South Shore Line, a commuter train service operating in the Chicago area.
According to her family, Grace was in good spirits during her commute, engaging in a light-hearted text conversation with her mother about dinner plans. Her last message, sent just before she exited the train, expressed excitement about having chili and cornbread for dinner.
Grace disembarked at the Hegewisch station shortly before 7:00 PM. After getting off the train, she began walking down the platform. To reach her car, she needed to cross the tracks, which required her to make a right turn and walk across the railway.
It was at this moment that tragedy struck. A westbound train, which was leaving the station, hit Grace as she crossed the tracks. At the time of the accident, she was not using her phone, nor was she wearing earbuds. The only item in her hands was her car keys.
A Father’s Grief and Questions
The shock and pain of losing his only daughter have left Grace’s father, Phil Bowski, searching for answers. He is questioning why there were no safety measures in place at the Hegewisch station, such as lights, crossing gates, or warning signs, that could have prevented this tragedy. In the wake of his daughter’s death, he is determined to understand what happened and to ensure that no other family experiences a similar loss.
Bowski described his daughter as a passionate journalist who loved the news. In his grief, he believes that Grace would have wanted this story to be told, to raise awareness about the potential dangers at train stations like the one where she lost her life. “She was in the news; she loved the news,” Bowski said. “If this is her way of, you know, knocking me on the shoulder, saying, ‘Dad, it’s got to be on the news, we have to get this word out, it has to be.'”
The Search for Answers
In the hours following the incident, Grace’s family was left in the dark about what had happened. They initially tracked her location using an app, which led them to the University of Chicago Medical Center. However, they were not immediately notified of her condition or that she had been involved in an accident. It wasn’t until later that they learned the devastating news that Grace had died from her injuries.
Bowski is now seeking clarity on several fronts. He wants to know why his family was not promptly informed about the accident and why the Hegewisch station lacks basic safety precautions that could have prevented Grace’s death. He is urging others to be vigilant when near trains, especially at stations like Hegewisch, where safety measures may be insufficient.
A Call for Change
As the family mourns the loss of their beloved Grace, they are also focused on preventing a similar tragedy from happening to others. Bowski is advocating for improved safety protocols at the Hegewisch station, including the installation of lights, crossing gates, and warning signs. He believes these measures could save lives and spare other families from the heartache his family is now enduring.
The South Shore Line has not yet responded to inquiries about the safety protocols at the Hegewisch station. In the meantime, Bowski continues to grieve the loss of his daughter, lamenting the moments they will never share, such as hearing her laugh, telling her he loves her, and watching her get married. Despite the pain, he is committed to making sure Grace’s story brings about meaningful change.
This tragic incident has highlighted the importance of safety measures at train stations and the need for thorough investigations into accidents of this nature. As Grace’s family seeks answers and justice, their story serves as a reminder of the critical need for vigilance and safety in public transportation settings.