Virginia Girmscheid Killed in Grayslake Train Accident

Wrongful Death - June 16, 2026

Virginia Girmscheid, 60, Died in Greyslake Freight Train Accident by Lake Street and Hillside Avenue

GRAYSLAKE, ILLINOIS (June 16, 2026) – A 60-year-old bicyclist identified as Virginia Girmscheid was killed in a Greyslake train accident near Lake Street and Hillside Avenue.

Lake County officials are saying that the accident took place on Tuesday evening. Virginia Girmscheid was riding a bicycle when she was hit by a CN freight train for undetermined reasons.

Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision to help the injured victim. Sadly, Virginia Girmscheid was beyond medical aid and died due to the severity of her injuries.

A full investigation into the Greyslake train accident remains ongoing at this time.

Railroad Liability for Greyslake Train Accidents

Train operators have a legal obligation to exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians and other potential hazards. This necessitates that they constantly scan the tracks ahead of them and maintain a safe speed. When a train operator spots a pedestrian that is in a position of danger, they must use reasonable care under the circumstances and sound an adequate warning. They must also reduce their speed and apply their brakes to avoid a collision. There are several ways that a train operator may have acted negligently prior to any collision with a pedestrian.

A train operator may have failed to maintain a proper lookout.
A train operator may have been traveling at a speed that would be unsafe given the prevailing conditions.
A train operator may have failed to sound their horn to alert pedestrians of their presence.
A train operator may have failed to brake in time to avoid hitting any pedestrian.

If a train operator fails to slow down to avoid hitting any cyclist in the roadway, this could serve as evidence of negligence. Liability for a pedestrian accident could extend beyond any specific operator determined to be at fault. The railroad or transportation company that they work for could also be held at fault. Generally speaking, employers can be legally responsible for the negligent conduct of their workers who were performing within the course and scope of their job duties.

Property Owner Liability for Train Accidents

Pedestrians are uniquely vulnerable to the hazards posed by freight trains. 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. From 2023 to 2024, fatalities at highway-rail crossings increased 7%, while fatalities involving other types of incidents decreased 4%. It is also possible that a property owner could be liable for a train accident if a train crossing was in an unsafe condition. There are many different ways a train crossing may have been in an unsafe condition.

Crossing Gates: A train crossing may have had malfunctioning crossing gates. In particular, the crossing gates or flashing lights may not close in time.
Sightlines: A railroad crossing may have poor sightlines due to obstructions such as buildings or vegetation.
Lighting: A railroad crossing may have poor lighting conditions that make it difficult for train conductors to see pedestrians.
Misaligned Tracks: A train crossing may have misaligned tracks that allow a bicycle tire or a vehicle tire to become stuck.

If a property owner has actual or constructive notice of a dangerous condition on a set of train tracks, they must take action to protect against the dangerous condition. Failing to take action could form the basis of a liability claim. There are many different ways that a railroad may have had notice of a dangerous condition. A contractor or third party may have informed them of a problem. There could also be a history of collisions on the train tracks.

Investigating Illinois Train Accidents

Horwitz Horwitz & Associates was very concerned to hear about this fatal train accident in Greyslake. We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Virginia Girmscheid. It is our sincere hope that state officials will consider measures to prevent other tragedies at this location. Many different questions still need to be answered. Is there a history of collisions where this crash took place? What is the safety record of the company that owned the freight train?

Do you need more information about a Greyslake train accident? We may be able to assist you. Our team of pedestrian safety advocates is committed to protecting the rights of all pedestrians. We understand how dangerous certain tracks can be across the state. Unfortunately, police departments don’t always take this into consideration. They are often quick to blame the pedestrian involved in these incidents. You are always welcome to reach out to us anytime for a free, independent investigation at (312) 564-4256.