Grace Bentkowski, a creative producer at the cable news channel NewsNation, died last month at the age of 22 after an accident at a Chicago train station, it was reported this week.
In a statement released Wednesday, NewsNation mourned Bentkowski as a “rising star” at the network.
“Her passion for journalism and her eagerness to learn the ropes were infectious and her willingness to jump in and learn the TV news business was inspiring to her colleagues,” said a statement published by Deadline. “Grace was one of those rare people who brought light to every room she walked into.”
“We are heartbroken for her loved ones and family, and she will never be far from our hearts,” the network said.
Betkowski graduated from Ball State University in Indiana in May and was hired as an associate creative producer at NewsNation, where she had previously worked as an intern covering Indiana local elections.
The journalist was on her way home to Dyer, Indiana, on July 25 when she was struck by a train as she crossed the ground tracks at Chicago’s Hegewisch South Shore station.
She was taken to the nearby University of Chicago Medical Center with internal injuries. She underwent emergency surgery and was pronounced dead hours later.
Her father, Phil Bentkowski, told local news station WGN there is no adequate signage or other safety measures at the station, where commuters must walk directly across the tracks to reach the car park.
According to accounts from Grace’s family, her view was blocked by a large concrete pillar as she followed other commuters along the tracks.
“It’s such a safety issue. This is 2024. I don’t know why there aren’t “stop, look, listen” safety signs. It doesn’t make sense,” said Phil Bentkowski. “She was thrown 50 feet.”
According to WGN, Bentkowski’s death is being investigated by rail company Metra and the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District.
“Metra is in contact with NICTD to assess the circumstances of this tragic incident,” the railroad said in a statement, according to WGN. “We extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of this young woman.”
The NICTD said in a statement that it “firmly” believes that “the station, as designed in 2006, is safe” but that it is “installing warning signs” and “contacting an engineering firm to determine what is necessary to add active warning to the crosswalks,” WGN reported.
The NICTD did not immediately respond to JS’s request for comment.