Train struck pedestrian on Milwaukee District North line outbound
November 29, 2025 | Fox Lake, IL
A 22-year-old man from Ingleside lost his life after being struck by a Metra train in Fox Lake, Illinois.
The incident occurred late Saturday night, highlighting ongoing safety concerns at rail crossings.
Richard Hayes II, 22, of Ingleside died after a Milwaukee District North line train struck him near the Ingleside Metra Station and Rollins Road in Fox Lake.
What Happened in the Crash?
Richard Hayes II was walking near the Ingleside Metra Station when he was hit by an outbound Milwaukee District North line train traveling at about 50 mph around 10:15 p.m. Snowy conditions prevailed at the time.
First responders arrived quickly, finding Hayes pinned under the train. They extricated him and transported him to Advocate Condell Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
- Date and Time: Nov. 29, 2025, approximately 10:15 p.m.
- Location: Near Ingleside Metra Station and Rollins Road, Fox Lake, IL
- Victim: Richard Hayes II, 22, of Ingleside
- Vehicle Involved: Metra Milwaukee District North outbound train
- Speed: Approximately 50 mph
- Weather: Snowy conditions
- Agency: Metra Police Department
- Status: Investigation ongoing
Why Do Train-Pedestrian Accidents Happen?
Train accidents involving pedestrians often stem from various factors, including errors by train personnel, track failures, mechanical malfunctions, signal errors, or unsafe crossing conditions. Investigators will assess whether the site was adequately secured for pedestrian use.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), around 1,000 people die annually in train-related incidents across the United States.
Factor |
Description |
NTSB-Reported Impact |
|---|
Train Personnel Error |
Mistakes in operation or signaling |
Contributes to 20-30% of incidents |
Mechanical Malfunction |
Failures in train brakes or signals |
Involved in 15% of fatal crashes |
Track or Crossing Issues |
Poor maintenance or lack of barriers |
Leads to 25% of pedestrian strikes |
Pedestrian Recklessness |
Trespassing or distraction near tracks |
Factor in over 50% of cases |
Weather Conditions |
Reduced visibility in snow or rain |
Increases accident risk by 40% |
*Data sourced from NTSB annual reports on rail safety (2020-2024).*
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, an independent investigation is crucial to preserve evidence and protect families from powerful rail companies.
“A skilled attorney can shield a grieving family from influential train operators, which deploy their own investigators and resources to defend against claims of negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal and national analyst for Newsline.
Key takeaways from legal perspectives on train accidents:
- Prompt legal involvement ensures evidence collection before it degrades.
- Families may pursue claims for loss of companionship, emotional distress, and financial support.
- Rail companies often contest liability, making experienced representation essential.
“The emotional toll of losing a loved one in such tragedies is immense. A wrongful death attorney can track the official investigation and safeguard the family's rights throughout the process,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.
Pending investigation outcomes, the family of Richard Hayes II could be eligible for a wrongful death claim to address these losses.
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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).