Youth struck by train

by CYRYL JAKUBOWSKI

Visitation for a Taft High School student who was fatally struck by a Metra train will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 13, at the Benson Family Funeral Home, 3224 W. Montrose Ave., according to the school.

The 17-year-old youth was struck by a Union Pacific Northwest train at about 6:50 a.m. Friday, March 7, while he was crossing the railroad tracks at Avondale and Bryn Mawr avenues, according to Metra.

Metra spokesman Tom Miller said that witnesses reported that the crossing gate and warning bells were working and that the youth was wearing ear buds while crossing the track.

The teen was identified by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office as Erik Jerrold Lucansky, age 17, of the 5500 block of North Parkside Avenue.

“It is with heavy hearts that we must inform the Taft community of the passing of one of our students,” a statement posted on the school’s Web site said. “Grief counselors have been made available in the school and are currently meeting with students and staff. Please join us in offering Erik’s family our deepest sympathy in this time of sorrow.”