Overview

• On July 25, family and friends walked from UChicago Medical Center to Hegewisch station to mark the first anniversary of Bentkowski’s death and demand safety upgrades.
• Bentkowski, 22, was struck by a South Shore Line train on July 25, 2024, after crossing unprotected tracks to reach the station parking lot.
• To date, the only safety measure installed at Hegewisch has been yellow “See Tracks. Think Train.” signs at the two grade crossings.
• NICTD’s diagnostic study on the engineering feasibility of pedestrian gates has been extended, with its findings now due in August 2025.
• The Bentkowski family’s February wrongful death lawsuit against Metra remains active as they push for accountability and funding for concrete safety enhancements.