Teen Fatally Struck By Metra Train Near High School

Erik Lucansky, 17, was struck by a train near William Howard Taft High School

A William Howard Taft High School student was struck and killed by a Metra train on Chicago's northwest side Friday morning.

The 17-year-old was identified by the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office as Erik Lucansky. He was struck by Union Pacific Northwest train 605 near the Norwood Park station, at 6088 N. Northwest Highway, while walking to school. Taft High School is three blocks away.

"Please join us in offering Erik's family our deepest sympathy in this time of sorrow," Taft officials said in a statement posted on the school's website.

One student who said she was a good friend of Lucansky said the teen was a popular member of the school's cheerleading team.

"He was amazing. You would always go to him for help, and he knew a lot of people. He knew the words to say to comfort you, and he was always funny," said Yulissa Renteria.

The incident snarled the morning commute for passengers on Metra’s Union Pacific Northwest Line. Trains were stopped for about 45 minutes after the 6:50 a.m. incident. Metra officials ultimately canceled one train on the line and others were experiencing delays. MetraRail.com has the most up-to-date travel information.

Commuters walk through Norwood Park after their train struck someone.
Photo: Brent Houltram

 
Correction: An earlier version of this story erroneously reported that Lucansky was a member of the school's gymnastics team.

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