Police Release Identity of Man Killed Thursday by Metra Train

The Westmont Police Department has released the identity of the man who died Thursday night after being struck by a Metra train in Westmont.

The deceased is 31-year-old Eric Bennett of Hickory Hills, according to a statement released Friday from Westmont Police Chief Thomas Mulhearn.

As Patch earlier reported, Bennett was struck by an eastbound train at 5:46 p.m. Thursday while crossing the tracks at Cass Avenue, near the Westmont BNSF station.  

READ: Male Pedestrian Dies After Being Struck by BNSF Metra Train in Westmont

The train was carrying an engineer and crew, but no passengers, Mulhearn's statement says. Nobody onboard was injured.

Police still have not said what led to the collision.

"Our investigation into this incident is continuing," Mulhearn wrote. "Due to this being an active investigation we cannot release any other information at this time. Additional information will be released when it is appropriate to do so."

READ: Metra Provides Tips on Crossing Tracks Safely

Family members and friends of Eric Bennett's can email the editor at joe.odonnell@patch.com any time if they are interested in sharing thoughts or memories of the victim.

Reaction from Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills Patch's Facebook:

• Rochelle: How sad for his him and his family. ):
• Rick: I work at Chris Angileri's State Farm Agency right south of the Westmont Centre. I'm staring at the crossing and many people disregard the gates and walk across. I've seen the police cut off pedestrians that do this and ticket them. How awful for the train engineers that have to deal with this and anyone who sees it in real time.
• Traci: I have him and his loved ones in my prayers. No matter what the cause, it was tragic and I am so sorry it happened.

By Joe O'Donnell wrote this article. 

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