David Hoday Killed in Bartlet Metra Train Accident

Work Compensation - Wrongful Death - February 2, 2026

David Hoday, Bartlett Public Works Employee, Died in Metra Train Accident While Operating Snowplow

BARTLETT, ILLINOIS (January 31, 2026) – A 64-year-old man identified as David Hoday has tragically died in a Bartlett Metra train accident.

Cook County officials are saying that the accident took place around 8:35 AM on Monday. David Hoday was operating a snowplow near the intersection of Oak Avenue and Railroad Avenue when he was hit by a Metra train.

Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision to help the Bartlett Public Works employee. Despite life-saving measures, David Hoday was pronounced dead at the hospital.

A full investigation by OSHA remains ongoing.

Liability for Illinois Metra Train Accidents

Employers in Illinois have a legal obligation to maintain work sites and a reasonably safe condition. According to 29 U.S.C. § 654(a)(1), “each employer shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.” Employers should take several actions to protect workers near railroad tracks.

• Training: Employers should ensure that all of their workers have adequate training if they’re going to be operating anywhere near the vicinity of trains.
• Coordination: Employers should closely coordinate with railroad operators, particularly if work is going to be performed on or near railroad tracks.
• Flaggers: Employers may need to assign dedicated flaggers, whose only job is to watch out for trains.
• Visibility: Workers should be provided with high-visibility vests whenever they are working near active railroad tracks.

When a worker is injured in Illinois, they or their family would typically have recourse through the workers’ compensation system. This is a no-fault insurance scheme designed to help workers. In addition to workers’ compensation, an injured worker or their surviving family members may be able to pursue a third-party liability claim. A third-party liability claim may be possible if an entity separate from a worker’s employer contributed to an accident. For example, a general contractor may have failed to maintain a worksite in a reasonably safe condition.

Steps to Take After Illinois Train Accidents

Many people are killed or seriously injured in train accidents each year. According to the National Safety Council, “Railroad deaths totaled 954 in 2024, a 1% decrease from the 2023 revised total of 967. Nonfatal injuries totaled 6,542, a 3% decrease from the 2023 revised total of 6,768.” It is important that certain actions are taken after any train accident.

• Photos of the accident site should be taken.
• Medical records related to injuries should be preserved.
• Maintenance records related to the worksite should be examined.
• The OSHA report documenting the accident should be reviewed.
• The family of any person who died should seek an independent review by a team with experience in tort claims.

Workplace accidents are often highly preventable. They tend to be the result of major safety lapses. This could include having workers perform their job duties in areas where vehicles or construction equipment are operating. The family of any person who died in a train accident may be able to seek some measure of accountability and transparency through a civil claim.

Investigating Illinois Train Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of David Hoday. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to OSHA. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong so that’s similar tragedies can be averted. Many questions remain unanswered. What is the safety record at this location? Have there been similar incidents or close calls in the past?

Do you need more information about an Illinois train accident? Our team of train accident investigators is here for you. We are committed to helping victims and their families understand their rights and protecting those rights through skilled advocacy. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any particular incident, we are here to serve your needs. You can contact us anytime at (312) 564-4256.