Grayslake woman identified as bicyclist fatally struck by freight train

A 60-year-old Grayslake woman has been identified as the bicyclist fatally struck by a freight train in the village last week.

Virginia Girmscheid died from blunt force injuries as a result of the collision, which occurred about 8:12 p.m. Tuesday, according to the Lake County coroner’s office.

Authorities said Girmscheid was struck at a crossing near the entrance to Central Park on North Lake Street, just south of Hillside Avenue. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to an online obituary that described her death as a “tragic accident,” Girmscheid was a mother of seven who served as chief financial officer for Stepping Stones Network, a nonprofit organization that works to prevent sexual exploitation and provide care to survivors.

The circumstances of the crash remain under investigation by the Metra Police Department.