Man steps in front of Metra train, dies, after suicide threat

metralogo_cst_123014_1.jpg

Sun-times file photo

A Stickney man was killed after stepping in front of a Metra train March 7 in west suburban Riverside.

Arthur C. Smith IV, 49, was taken to MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn on Feb. 25 after the Lyons Village Police Department responded to a report of a distraught person on Ogden Avenue. Smith told police and paramedics that he wanted to kill himself by jumping in front of a train, according to the Riverside Police Department.

Smith was released from the hospital about 1:30 p.m. on March 7. About 2:50 p.m., he stepped in front of a Metra train at the train depot near Longman Crossing, police said.

The conductor of the train saw Smith step out onto the tracks but was unable to stop, Riverside police Chief Tom Weitzel said.

Smith was pronounced dead at the scene. A suicide note was recovered, police said.

A 16-year-old Naperville boy was injured by debris from the incident when he was struck by a rock. He was treated for minor injuries on the scene and released, police said.

The Riverside police detective unit and the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office were still investigating. Some train traffic has resumed moving through the area while the investigation continues, police said.

The Latest
Previously struggling to keep its doors open, the Buena Park establishment received a boost from the popular TikToker.
Bagent also said the negative publicity about teammate Caleb Williams leading to the draft has turned out to be “completely false.”
Deputy Sean Grayson has been fired and charged with murder in the fatal shooting of Massey, who had called 911 to report a possible prowler. He has pleaded not guilty. The family says the Department of Justice is investigating.
Here’s how Kamala Harris and the Democratic National Convention are embracing Charli XCX’s social media post that sparked a cultural movement.
Thousands gathered in Union Park for the Pitchfork Music Festival, the Chicago Bears started training camp at Halas Hall, and Vice President Kamala Harris kicked off her presidential campaign.