Warning Signals Active Before Grayslake Woman Was Fatally Struck by Train: Officials

Witnesses told investigators the crossing lights and bells were operating when the 60-year-old bicyclist entered the tracks.

By Amie Schaenzer, Patch Staff

Jul 21, 2026 10:34 am CDT

Girmscheid Virginia died from blunt force injuries sustained after being hit by the train, according to preliminary findings released by the coroner's office. The manner of death has not yet been released. (Rachel Nunes/Patch)

GRAYSLAKE, IL — Investigators say a 60-year-old Grayslake woman rode her bicycle into the path of a freight train despite activated crossing lights and warning bells in what authorities described as a "preventable tragedy."

Three eyewitnesses told police the railroad crossing signals were functioning when Virginia Girmscheid, a finance executive and mother of seven, entered the crossing in the area of Grayslake Central High School, 400 North Lake Street, and was struck by a Canadian National freight train. on June 9, the Lake & McHenry County Scanner is reporting. Girmscheid proceeded to ride her bicycle onto the sidwalk and right into the path of the train, Metra spokesperson Meg Thomas-Reile told the Lake & McHenry County Scanner.

The incident remains under investigation by the Metra Police Department.

Girmscheid died from blunt force injuries sustained after being hit by the train, according to preliminary findings released by the coroner's office. The manner of death has not yet been released.

Following the incident, Metra officials are reminding the public to not cross railroad tracks when the gates are down and the lights are activated.

“The gates and lights activating mean that a train will be passing through the intersection within 15 to 30 seconds. Trains cannot stop quickly so even if the engineer sees you, they are not going to be able to stop in time,” Thomas-Reile told the Lake & McHenry County Scanner.