Hobart police have identified the 38-year-old man killed by a train Tuesday as he walked down the center of railroad tracks wearing headphones.
Police said Keith Deering, of New Chicago, was struck at about 12:15 p.m. near the intersection of 41st Avenue and Wisconsin Street.
Deering was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Hobart police, the Lake County coroner’s office and the railroad are jointly investigating the incident. Police said a preliminary investigation showed Deering was wearing headphones while walking in the center of the tracks.
“Our hearts go out to the victim’s family and loved ones during this difficult time, as Mr. Deering was a husband and father,” said Police Chief Garrett Ciszewski. “We urge all members of the public to exercise extreme caution around railways and to remain vigilant in observing all posted safety warnings and signals.”
Police said although this set of tracks is not widely used, walking along the tracks or a railroad right-of-way is a Class B misdemeanor.
