Metra Official Takes His Own Life On One Of Metra's Lines

Philip Pagano, a resident of unincorporated Crystal Lake, committed suicide this morning on a rail line operated by his employer, Metra.

According to Sheriff Keith Nygren, investigation revealed that Pagano entered the Metra right of way of the McHenry Metra line, slightly before 8:00 am and into the path of a southbound Metra Train, killing himself instantly. This location is approximately 30 feet north of Hillside Road. The accident was found by a McHenry County Sheriffs Deputy on patrol

Nygren noted there were some documents left behind and although he did not divulge the contents, he did indicate that the information obtained is contrary to any indication that the incident is other than intentional.

This particular Metra line runs southwesterly and joins the main line just before reaching Crystal Lake. The next stop from McHenry was to be the Pingree Road Station on the east side of Crystal Lake.

According to information released by Sheriff Keith Nygren, the engineer of the train observed a male person on the tracks, and entered emergency braking mode, but was unable to stop the train before striking the individual. Nygren said that individual and the engineer made eye contact because the victim turned toward the train as it approached his location.

One vehicle was at the crossing; however, they did not observe the actual impact. The driver left the scene after speaking with the Deputy Sheriff, who was on patrol and happened upon the accident.

According to information from Sheriff Nygren, Pagano apparently drove his car from his home on North Hampshire Trail to a McHenry County Conservation District Prairie Trail parking lot located off Hillside Road.

Nygren reported that Pagano was at home alone as his wife was out of town and a child was in Chicago.

The McHenry County Sheriff's Department is not involved in any other investigations involving Pagano who was recently placed on leave from Metra while an investigation takes place on his receiving a bonus which reportedly should not have been provided.

Sheriff Nygren emphasized that all the evidence and information obtained is contrary to any criminal action.