Coroner identifies mother of 7, finance exec who died in ‘tragic accident’ after being hit by train in Grayslake
Police shut down the area of Lake Street and Hillside Avenue in Grayslake to investigate after Virginia Girmscheid, 60, of Grayslake, (pictured) was fatally struck by a freight train while reportedly riding a bicycle Tuesday evening. | Photo – Left: Provided; Photo – Right: Craig/Captured News
The coroner has released the identity of a 60-year-old woman, who was a finance executive and mother of seven children, after she was fatally struck by a train while riding her bicycle in downtown Grayslake.
An autopsy performed Wednesday showed that Virginia Girmscheid, 60, of Grayslake, died as a result of blunt force injuries consistent with being struck by a train, according to Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek.
The Grayslake Police Department and Grayslake Fire Department responded around 8:12 p.m. Tuesday to the area of Grayslake Central High School, 400 North Lake Street, for a traumatic injury call.
A 911 caller reported a person on a bicycle, later identified as Girmscheid, had been struck by a train across the street at Lake Street and Hillside Avenue.
Police shut down the area of Lake Street and Hillside Avenue in Grayslake after a woman on a bicycle was fatally struck by a freight train Tuesday evening. | Photo: Craig/Captured News
The incident response was upgraded and emergency crews arrived and confirmed Girmscheid was deceased at the scene, according to police radio traffic.
Metra spokesperson Meg Thomas-Reile said the woman was reportedly riding a bicycle when she was struck by a freight train.
The incident occurred along Canadian National Railway’s train line, which Metra uses for its North Central Service (NCS) line.
Thomas-Reile said service had already ended for the night on the NCS line when the crash occurred.
Police shut down the area of Lake Street and Hillside Avenue in Grayslake after a woman on a bicycle was fatally struck by a freight train Tuesday evening. | Photo: Craig/Captured News
The Lake County Coroner’s Office was notified and responded to the scene to take possession of Girmscheid for an autopsy.
The coroner’s office had a tentative identification on Girmscheid and worked to get into contact with the family before announcing her identity on Saturday.
An obituary said Girmscheid was a “deeply loved mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend” and her family “deeply” mourns her death.
Girmscheid was born in Highland Park and obtained an accounting degree from the University of Illinois.
Police shut down the area of Lake Street and Hillside Avenue in Grayslake after a woman on a bicycle was fatally struck by a freight train Tuesday evening. | Photo: Craig/Captured News
She served non-profit organizations, including Stepping Stones Network, where she worked as the Chief Financial Officer at the time of her death.
Girmscheid leaves behind a husband of 39 years and seven children, as well as nieces and nephews and a granddaughter.
Her obituary said Girmscheid “lived a life of self-sacrifice, emanating joy amidst all circumstances.”
“She loved people fiercely, never passing up the opportunity to encourage each person she met with God’s love and truth. Mother of seven, she was an unstoppable force with seemingly endless energy. Her strength and determination remained evident throughout her courageous battle with cancer,” her obituary said.
Police shut down the area of Lake Street and Hillside Avenue in Grayslake after a woman on a bicycle was fatally struck by a freight train Tuesday evening. | Photo: Craig/Captured News
Thomas-Reile said the Metra Police Department was called to the scene and is the lead agency on the investigation.
Investigators are still working to determine the circumstances of what led to the collision.
The Grayslake Police Department said the railroad crossings at Lake Street, Hillside Avenue and Center Street in downtown Grayslake were temporarily closed for several hours due to the emergency response.
A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday at Fierce Church in Grayslake. A visitation will begin at 4 p.m. followed by the celebration service at 5 p.m.
