Update at 6:18 p.m.
ROYAL, Ill. (WCIA) — The Champaign County Coroner has released the identity of the nine-year-old boy who was struck and killed by a train in Royal on Friday.
Coroner Duane Northrup said the boy’s name was Easton Wilsey and confirmed that he lived in Royal. Wilsey was trying to cross the railroad tracks on North Railroad Street on his bike when he was struck by a Union Pacific freight train. Wilsey was pronounced dead at the scene.
Northrup said no autopsy will be performed, but he confirmed Wilsey died from the injuries he received. An inquest may be held at a later date.
The death remains under investigation by Northrup’s office and the Champaign County Sherrif’s Office.
Update at 2:30 p.m.
ROYAL, Ill. (WCIA) — Union Pacific, which operates the train involved in Friday’s deadly accident, released the following statement upon being reached for comment:
We are deeply saddened to report that a 9-year-old boy traveling on a bike was struck and killed by a Union Pacific train in Royal, Illinois, today at about 7:45 a.m. CDT.
The train crew was not injured. The incident occurred at the Main Street crossing in Royal.
The Champaign County Sheriff’s Department is conducting the investigation.
Our thoughts are with the family of the child and our coworkers. Union Pacific employees are always encouraged to call the Employee Assistance Line, which offers 24/7 assistance for support.
Union Pacific
ROYAL, Ill. (WCIA) – A nine-year-old child has been hit and killed by a train in Royal, the Champaign County Sheriff confirmed.
Sheriff Dustin Heuerman said the child was hit at approximately 7:43 a.m. on Friday. Multiple emergency units responded to the scene.
The circumstances regarding the deadly accident are under investigation, but Lieutenant Curt Apperson said the Sheriff’s Office determined the child was on their way to school when they were hit.
WCIA has a crew on the way to the scene.
This is a developing story. More information will be shared as it becomes available.
