Outpouring Begins for Wounded Train Conductor

HOMEWOOD, IL — An effort is underway to help the family of Michael Case, the 45-year-old Navy veteran and Amtrak train conductor shot in Naperville earlier this week, with medical expenses. A GoFundMe page with a simple goal to help the family has been initiated by employees of the 5th Quarter Restaurant in Homewood, where Case's wife works.

Case was shot in the torso on Tuesday while he stepped off a train as it stopped at a station in Naperville. Edward Klein, a 79-year-old man from Wisconsin, has been charged in connection with the shooting.

He was restrained by passengers before authorities arrived, according to an NBC Chicago report.

Case was the conductor of a Southwest Chief train carrying 235 passengers from Los Angeles to Chicago when the incident unfolded late Tuesday afternoon.

"I just want to extend my most deeply felt gratitude," Sara Case, Michael's wife, wrote in a Facebook post on an NBC story regarding the words of support her family has received since the incident. "I have been truly touched by the outpouring of love, support, prayers and thoughts."

As of 10:15 a.m. on Friday, the GoFundMe effort has raised $530 of a $10,000 goal.

"Any donations greatly appreciated," read a short description on the fundraising page.

Photo: Michael and Sara Case / courtesy of GoFundMe