Laguna Niguel Loses a Promising Son

Laguna Niguel resident Chase Church, 23, has been killed in a tragic accident only one day after graduating from an eight-week training course in Chicago with the Navy's hospital corps. 

News reports said Church was hit by Union Pacific North Line train No. 343 from Chicago to Kenosha, Wis., at about 6:15 p.m. Central time Tuesday while trying to cross the tracks with his fellow recruits.

Church, who graduated from Aliso Niguel High School in 2006, was aspiring to become an anesthesiologist. A quote from his Facebook page regarding this aspiration said, "don't try to tell me I can't or I won't…'cause I believe you can do anything you want."

He was on his way toward his goal, graduating third in his class and with distinction. Graduating with distinction requires a score of 90 percent or better and qualified him for the opportunity to train with the Naval Surgical School, which is located in San Antonio, Texas.

Church had just announced his graduation on Facebook a handful of hours before the tragic accident occurred. His last post on Feb. 8 at 4:45 a.m. reads: "Graduation today, freaking finally." 

Chase is survived by his mother, Patti Church, who runs local charity WelcomeINN, and his fiancé Cameron Butler.