‘This is a terrible tragedy’: Teen found dead near train tracks in Vernon Hills

A teenage boy was found dead near train tracks Wednesday afternoon in north suburban Vernon Hills.

A Canadian National Railway employee spotted the boy’s body about 3:50 p.m. on the west side of the tracks adjacent to Westwood Park, 300 Sullivan Drive in Vernon Hills, according to a statement from Vernon Hills police.

Police responded and determined that the body was that of a 15-year-old Vernon Hills boy. Authorities said there was “no indication that foul play was involved.”

The boy was identified Friday as Daniel Stein, of Vernon Hills, according to Lake County Coroner Dr. Howard Cooper. A preliminary autopsy found he died from injuries caused by blunt force trauma, Cooper said in a statement. Toxicology results remained pending.

“We have been in close contact with Daniel’s family and our deepest condolences go out to them,” Cooper said. “This is a terrible tragedy”

Stein’s death remained under investigation by Vernon Hills police, the Canadian National Railway police department and the Lake County coroner’s office, according to Cooper.