Champaign County Sheriffs identified the 9-year-old boy killed in a bicycle-train collision on Friday in Royal.
The Champaign County Sheriffs identified the 9-year-old boy killed by a freight train on Friday, September 8, 2023. Wilsey. Coroner Duane Northup said that the boy’s name was Easton Dean Wilsey, and he was a resident of Royal. He was attempting to cross railroad tracks on the North Railroad Street on his bike when it was hit by the train.
According to the Campaign County Sheriff’s deputies, he was killed by the Union Pacific freight train on Friday at about 7:45 a.m. on his way to School on a bicycle.
The fatal accident that claimed the life of young Easton happened in the 100 block of North Railroad Street, according to Champaign County Sheriff Deputy Lt. Curt Apperson. He was on the sidewalk North of the track and was headed to the School. Other people who were also present near the railroad remained unharmed.
The investigation is still underway by the Champaign County Sheriff’s Department to learn more about the circumstances that led to the horrifying accident. Protective measures are applied to every railroad crossing, yet the heart-wrenching mishap proved that something went wrong somewhere.
In an interview with a news channel, village Clerk Bob Vilven said the railroad crossing gates protect the Main Street crossing but not the sidewalk. He further said that the trains rarely slow down to a crawl when the crossing gates have not functioned properly.
A train crew member said the train conductors “use their horns religiously”.
The Union Pacific railroad spokesperson released a statement regarding the incident, saying they are deeply saddened by the accident and mentioned that no crew member of the train was injured in the accident. The statement offered respect to the mourning family of Easton Wilsey and encouraged their employees to their helpline for support.
“Our thoughts are with the family of the child and our coworkers. Union Pacific employees are always encouraged to call the Employee Assistance Line, which offers 24/7 assistance for support.”
The community has outpoured support for the Wilsey family. To accommodate the grieving friends and family, the Village of Royal announced keeping the Royal Community Building open on Friday at 1 pm, where the aggrieved could come together and share their loss. A memorial fund has been established to help the Wilsey family in need.
Longview Bank accepts donations for the Wilsey family at any Longview Bank branch. They posted on their Facebook page,
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and Royal community. We are accepting donations at any Longview Bank branch.”
OGDEN Royal Fire Protection Unit District station 12 had lowered their flag to half the staff in honour of Easton Wilsey to stand in solidarity with the community’s grief.
Atkinson Wolfe Erin wrote on social media
“I have no words for this tragedy. Easton was a beacon of light. He was an amazing son, brother, and friend. This child of God was called home far too early. Please consider donating to the Memorial Fund in sweet Easton Dean’s honor.”
Amelia Warner
Amelia Warner writes all the Latest Articles. She mostly covers Entertainment topics, but at times loves to write about movie reviews as well.
