SWANSEA, Ill — Belleville resident Jennifer McDonnell was hit and killed by a MetroLink train Sunday morning in Swansea, Illinois, according to the Swansea Police Department.
It happened shortly after 10 a.m. Sunday when Swansea officers were called out to the Metro light rail crossing on Old Caseyville Road north of IL-161 regarding someone being struck by a train.
The Swansea Police Department, St. Clair County Sheriff's Department, St. Clair County Coroner’s Office and MetroLink personnel are investigating the fatal crash.
According to a press release from the Swansea Police Department, the preliminary investigation indicated McDonnell tried to cross the tracks with her dog while the crossing gates were down and functioning properly. It said McDonnell crossed in front of an eastbound train when she was struck, and that she did not survive her injuries.
Police also said her dog was not hurt and was given to a family member.
5 On Your Side talked to McDonnell's best friend and running partner about his loss.
“Just crushed. It’s literally like losing a family member," Kevin Horcher said.
The sound of a train crossing will now forever remind Horcher of his best friend’s final moments.
“Friendly to everybody, just a very good-hearted person," he said.
Nearby resident Gina Rath saw the whole thing happen.
“The color of her pants caught my eye and her motion of running and trying to process the fact that there was a train coming," Rath said.
She shared footage with 5 On Your Side from her Ring doorbell as she watched the crash and called 911.
“It replays in my head, constantly," Rath said.
Rath said her heart goes out to McDonnell’s family, friends, people aboard the train, any anyone else sharing in this trauma.
“She was like family. Jennifer and my wife Penny, we would go places together, we would go out to eat together," Horcher said.
A memorial site sits with McDonnell’s final steps, highlighting her journeys as a runner.
“She would push you to be better. If she went out and ran on a day, I didn’t feel like running, it would make me think I should be out there too to get some training miles in," he said.
Horcher will never hear a train crossing the same. But, through the tragedy, he’s choosing to think of his favorite memories of his running buddy, including the last race they'd run together.
“She would make fun of me because I wasn’t that fast. Of course, she did win her age group like she planned on," he said.
Taulby Roach, the president and CEO of Bi-State Development, provided a statement about the incident. Bi-State Development oversees Metro Transit:
On January 15, 2023, a tragic incident occurred at the Old Caseyville Road crossing in Swansea when a person was struck and killed by an eastbound MetroLink train. Despite active warning lights, bells, and the gates being in the down position, the person was seen entering the crossing from the north side, jogging behind her dog. Despite the train operator's efforts to brake, the train was unable to stop before impact. The dog was unharmed and later located by local police officials.
All of us at Metro Transit and the Bi-State Development Board of Commissioners express our sincerest condolences to the family and loved ones of the person who lost her life in this tragic incident. We understand the gravity of this situation and are fully cooperating with the authorities in the ongoing investigation to understand the cause. The public is reminded of the importance of obeying warning signals at grade crossings for the safety of all. Speaking on behalf of the Board of Commissioners and the Metro Transit team, I would like to express our gratitude to the emergency responders, MetroLink Support Teams, and the train operator for their swift actions in this difficult situation.
We understand the emotional toll this event has taken on the train operator, and we are providing support and resources to ensure her emotional well-being is taken care of and she has the necessary support to cope with this tragic event.
Detectives ask anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact Swansea Police Department Detective Alex Wilken at 618-233-8114.
This breaking news story will be updated when more information becomes available.