Mitzi L. Montgomery Obituary, Death – A woman who lost her life after being struck by an Amtrak train in Plano, Illinois, on Thursday night has been officially identified. According to the Plano Police Department, the incident occurred just before 9 p.m. when officers responded to a report of a pedestrian being hit near the BNSF Railway tracks in the 800 block of West Main Street. Upon arrival, authorities located the victim and confirmed that she had died at the scene.
The Kendall County Coroner’s Office later identified the deceased as 48-year-old Mitzi L. Montgomery, a resident of Plano. The coroner’s preliminary findings indicated that Montgomery died from blunt force trauma sustained during the crash.
Multiple agencies collaborated in the aftermath of the tragic incident. Personnel from BNSF and Amtrak joined the investigation alongside the Little Rock-Fox Fire Department and the Kendall County Coroner’s Office. Their joint efforts led to a temporary closure of the railway tracks, which were reopened for use at approximately 11:13 p.m., a little over two hours after the collision occurred.
At this time, the Plano Police Department is continuing to investigate the circumstances that led to the fatal crash. No further details about how the woman came to be on the tracks have been disclosed.
Authorities have not released any additional information regarding whether foul play is suspected or if Montgomery was attempting to cross the tracks at the time she was hit. It is also unclear whether the train was in motion at full speed or had attempted to stop upon seeing the pedestrian.
Incidents involving pedestrians and trains often result in fatal outcomes due to the sheer size and speed of trains, and law enforcement typically conducts thorough investigations to determine whether safety measures were in place and followed.
Officials have not stated if surveillance footage was being reviewed or if there were any witnesses to the collision.
As the investigation remains active, the Plano Police Department has not announced whether any charges or citations are anticipated. They continue to urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
This incident has undoubtedly impacted the local community, especially as it involves a local resident. Train-related deaths, though not frequent, highlight the dangers associated with railroad crossings and the importance of staying alert around train tracks, even in familiar areas.
No Amtrak personnel or passengers were reported injured as a result of the incident. Train operations resumed shortly after the completion of the on-site investigation.
Montgomery’s death is now under the official jurisdiction of the Kendall County Coroner’s Office, which will finalize its report following further examination.
Anyone with relevant details or who may have witnessed the events leading up to the crash is encouraged to contact the Plano Police Department as they continue working to piece together the full sequence of events.