A journalist just starting her career at age 22 passed away in July. She was hit by a commuter train in Chicago. She worked for NewsNation as a recent Ball State graduate.
Grace Bentkowski was hit by the electric train at the Hegewisch South Shore station on July 25. This is a station that services commuters coming in from neighboring state Indiana.
“Grace Bentkowski was a rising star at NewsNation,” Jonathan Killian, Vice President, Creative Marketing and Brand Standards, said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE. “Her passion for journalism and eagerness to learn the ropes was infectious and her willingness to jump in and learn the TV news business was inspiring to her colleagues. Grace was one of those rare people who brought light into any room in which she entered.” “We are heartbroken for her loved ones and family, and she will never be far from our hearts,” added Killian (NewsNation VP).
According to WGN news, Grace messaged her family she would be shopping after leaving early from NewsNation in the heart of Chicago. Then, she started back to Dyer, Indiana. According to People “and when exiting her train at Hegewisch station — where passengers have to walk across the train tracks to access the parking lot, according to the outlet — her family said she saw other commuters in front of her cross the tracks, however, her view was obstructed by a concrete pillar.”
Grace’s father was tracking Grace on the Life360 app, he saw she made it on the train. Next, he noticed a delay for the South Shore website over a train-pedestrian accident.
“I got a bad feeling she was the one who was hit, as soon as I saw she ended up at University of Chicago I hopped in the car and drove down there,” he said. “I spoke to District 3 CPD or transit police and they asked ‘Are you related to Grace Bentkowski?’ ” Grace was rushed to the University of Chicago Emergency room alive and pronounced dead after many hours of surgery. It has been reported that Grace suffered internal injuries.
The family viewed a video of the accident and believes the conductor failed to blow the horn as the train speeded up. The conductor sounded the horn after a loud noise was heard.
Grace’s brother created a GoFundMe to pay for cremation, medical costs, and other costs. He wrote:
This gofundme will be used for medical costs, cremation, and a celebration of life for Grace, which she would’ve wanted.**We appreciate you all so much, and Grace loved every single one of you. Although we lost such a beautiful and caring soul, she is now with all of us. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we go down this road together. Much love, Adian, and the Bentkowski Family.”
Rest in Peace
