Metra train struck man near Bloom Street along Union Pacific North line in Highwood
April 09, 2026 | Highwood, IL
Josmar Narvaez-Martinez, a 24-year-old man originally from Mexico, tragically lost his life following a pedestrian collision with a Metra train in Highwood.
Josmar Narvaez-Martinez, 24, died after being struck by a Metra train near Green Bay Road and Bloom Street in Highwood, Lake County.
What Happened in the Highwood Metra Train Crash?
According to Highwood police reports, the incident occurred around 1:40 a.m. when Narvaez-Martinez was struck by Metra Train No. 377 on the Union Pacific North line, south of the Metra station near Green Bay Road and Bloom Street.
- Date and Time: April 9, early morning at approximately 1:40 a.m.
- Location: Green Bay Road and Bloom Street, Highwood, Illinois
- Victim Details: Josmar Narvaez-Martinez, age 24, originally from San Francisco de Arriba, Juquila, Oaxaca, Mexico
- Vehicle Involved: Metra Train No. 377, Union Pacific North line
- Immediate Response: Narvaez-Martinez was transported to Endeavor Health Evanston Hospital with severe injuries
- Outcome: Passed away on April 11 due to injuries sustained in the crash
Narvaez-Martinez's family is currently organizing efforts to fund his transport back to Mexico for burial, as noted in his obituary.
Why Do Pedestrian Train Accidents Like This Occur?
The Metra Police Department is leading the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Factors that can contribute to such pedestrian-train collisions include errors by train personnel, track malfunctions, mechanical failures, signal errors, or pedestrian actions near active rail lines.
Investigators are also reviewing whether the crossing area was adequately secured for pedestrian safety.
Train Accident Statistics
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), train-related incidents result in approximately 1,000 fatalities annually in the United States. Below is a summary of common causes and statistics for pedestrian-train accidents:
Cause Category |
Description |
Annual Impact (NTSB Data) |
|---|
Personnel Error |
Mistakes by train operators or signal staff |
Contributes to ~20% of incidents |
Mechanical Failure |
Issues with train brakes or tracks |
About 15% of fatal crashes |
Pedestrian Actions |
Trespassing or misjudging train speed |
Over 50% of pedestrian fatalities |
Signal or Track Failure |
Malfunctioning warnings or infrastructure |
About 10% of cases |
Other Factors |
Environmental conditions or unknown |
Remaining percentage |
Source: National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) annual reports on rail safety.
Legal Insights on Train-Pedestrian Crashes
In cases such as this involving pedestrian-train accidents, conducting an independent investigation promptly is crucial to preserving evidence for affected families.
“A skilled attorney can protect a grieving family from powerful train companies, which often send their investigators to crash sites and possess a variety of resources they can utilize to defend a negligent party,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal and national analyst for Newsline.
- Key Takeaway: Independent investigations help counter corporate resources deployed post-incident.
- Key Takeaway: Early legal involvement ensures evidence integrity for potential claims.
- Key Takeaway: Families may pursue compensation for losses amid overwhelming grief.
Pending investigation outcomes, family members may qualify for a wrongful death claim, seeking damages for emotional distress, loss of companionship, and suffering.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.”
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).