Family sues Metra after woman struck and killed by train
November 21, 2012 7:12PM
Updated: November 21, 2012 7:12PM
The family of a woman stuck and killed by a Metra train in March is suing the transportation agency, alleging not enough was done to announce an approaching train.
Gardenia Boyer, 23, was declared dead at the scene after she was struck and killed by an outbound Rock Island Line train by the Metra station near 95th Street and Vincennes Avenue, authorities said at the time.
The suit, filed Wednesday in Cook County Circuit Court, says the train was traveling too fast and didn’t sound its’ horn as it passed through the Beverly neighborhood on March 7.
The suit also alleges there were not adequate warning signs that a train was approaching when Boyer, of the 9500 block of South Mays Street, walked across the tracks. However, the court filing does not indicate specific warning systems -- bells, flashing lights or pedestrian gates -- failed to activate.
While Boyer’s death was ruled an accident at the time, the suit alleges the woman “lawfully upon the sidewalk and crossing the railroad tracks.”
Metra spokesman Michael Gillis said he had not yet seen the suit and therefore could not comment on it.
The lawsuit seeks at least $50,000 in compensation from the regional train service.
-- Contact: Atty. Mark L. Karno, (312) 701-0090.
