Woman talks grieving teen out of jumping in front of train

A southwest suburban woman is credited with talking a grieving teen out of jumping in front of a train Friday evening.

About 9 p.m., police were called to a Metra line bridge at 8200 W. 123rd St. after multiple reports of a vehicle stopped on the bridge and a young man about to jump in front of a train, according to the Palos Park Police Department.

A Palos Park woman who just got off a Metra train saw the upset teen on the bridge and asked if he was alright, police said. The woman learned the 19-year-old was despondent about the sudden death of a sibling and wanted to jump.

The woman talked to the teen and persuaded him to let her help him seek treatment, police said. When officers arrived, they found the woman holding the teenager. He was taken to Palos Community Hospital in Palos Heights.

“After witnessing the selfless act of kindness and compassion for this young man by this woman, it is a reminder that caring for people involves the entire community,” said Cmdr. Chris Hughes of Palos Park police.