Jennifer McDonnell Obituary, Death – Swansea Police, the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department, the St. Clair County Coroner’s Office, and MetroLink personnel are investigating a fatal Metro train crash that occurred on Sunday. Swansea officers were summoned to the Metro light rail crossing on Old Caseyville Road north of IL-161 to investigate a train collision soon after 10 a.m. Sunday.
When officers arrived on the scene, a preliminary investigation found that a woman attempted to cross the tracks with her dog when the crossing gates were down, according to a press statement posted on Facebook by the Swansea Police Department. The woman was crossing in front of an eastbound train when she was hit. Her injuries caused her death.
Authorities identified Jennifer A. McDonnell, 52, as the lady on Sunday night. Her puppy was discovered unhurt. The dog was given to a family member. Anyone who witnessed the event is asked to call Detective Alex Wilken of the Swansea Police Department at 618-233-8114. In response to the incident, Taulby Roach, president and CEO of Bi-State Development, made a statement.
Bi-State Development manages Metro Transit: A sad event occurred on January 15, 2023, at the Old Caseyville Road crossing in Swansea when an eastbound MetroLink train struck and killed a pedestrian. Despite the presence of active warning lights, bells, and downed gates, the individual was seen approaching the crossing from the north side, jogging behind her dog.
Despite the railway operator’s efforts to brake, the train was unable to stop before colliding. The dog was unharmed and was eventually discovered by local authorities. Metro Transit and the Bi-State Development Board of Commissioners would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the person who perished in this tragic accident.
We are completely cooperating with authorities in their ongoing investigation to establish the fundamental cause. The public is reminded that it is vital for everyone’s safety to obey warning signs at grade crossings. On behalf of the Board of Commissioners and the Metro Transit team, I’d want to thank the emergency responders, MetroLink Support Teams, and the train operator for their fast responses in this challenging situation. We acknowledge the emotional toll that this heinous occurrence has placed on the train operator, and we are offering assistance and resources to ensure that her emotional well-being is addressed and that she has the necessary support to cope with it.