'Preventable tragedy': Investigators say warning lights were activated when train fatally struck mother of 7 riding bicycle in Grayslake

Published
June 24, 2026
Outcome
Fatal
Location
Grayslake, California
Lake Street and Hillside Avenue, near Grayslake Central High School, 400 North Lake Street
Incident type
Bicycle

Summary

Bicycle Crash Grayslake California in Grayslake, California: Virginia Girmscheid, 60, of Grayslake, was riding her bicycle when she was struck and killed by a freight train on June 9 around 8:12 p.m. near Lake Street and Hillside Avenue, across from Grayslake Central High School. Investigators said warning lights and bells were activated at the crossing as she proceeded on the sidewalk directly into the path of the train. The Grayslake Police and Fire departments responded and confirmed she was deceased at the scene; an autopsy on June 10 determined she died from blunt force injuries consistent with being struck by a train. The Metra Police Department is leading the investigation.

Publicly reported parties

Name Role Status
Virginia Girmscheid Cyclist Fatal

Original reporting

'Preventable tragedy': Investigators say warning lights were activated when train fatally struck mother of 7 riding bicycle in Grayslake

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