Family, friends gather to honor young journalist hit, killed by South Side train last year

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Family and friends gathered Friday to honor Grace Bentkowski, a budding journalist, killed by a South Shore train last year.

The last time the group gathered at the University of Chicago Medical Center was a year ago.

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Bentkowski, 22, was brought there after a train hit her at the Hegewisch station. The young journalist starting her career and about to move in with her boyfriend was killed.

"This is what she would do. I believe if she was here, she would be the one in front of this microphone," father Phil Bentkowski said.

"It's been a long year, but you learn to live with stuff. And I know she would be proud of everybody here behind us," brother Adian Bentkowski said.

Those closest to Bentkowski gathered to remember her and call for more safety measures at grade crossings. They also want to warn others of incoming trains at the Hegewisch station.

"A person versus a train: There is no way a person is going to win. That we feel, it's the responsibility of the companies that run those trains to make it as safe as possible for passengers," uncle Mike O'Neill said.

"If there was a reason she had to leave this Earth to bring safety awareness, then that's what we are going to do," Phil Bentkowski said.

They took their message through Chicago, wearing "Grace wins every time" shirts, as they walked from UChicago to Hegewisch.

Since Bentkowski's death, yellow signs that say "See Tracks. Think Train." have been installed at the two grade crossings at Hegewisch. But more safety measures may be considered.

A statement from the South Shore Line reads:

"The diagnostic study for Hegewisch has taken longer than initially anticipated, as we are further studying the engineering feasibility of safely installing pedestrian gates at the crossings. We continue to ask all passengers and pedestrians to stay alert near railroad crossings, look both ways before crossing railroad tracks, observe all posted signage, and always keep in mind that trains can come from either direction, at any time, and on any track."

As Bentkowski's family and friends reached their destination Friday afternoon, through heat, humidity and rain, they hoped Bentkowski's legacy will be to make the station safer for everyone.

Bentkowski's grandmother met the walkers at Hegewisch.

"Last year was a shock. But the whole year going by without her, it's been so much worse," Maryann O'Neill said.

Bentkowski's family and friends completed the 12-mile walk with a prayer: a prayer for those grieving, and prayers to spare others from this grieving.