Royal, Illinois – A heart-wrenching incident has shaken Royal, Illinois, as a young boy lost his life in a devastating collision between a train and a bicycle Friday.
Identified by Champaign County Corone’s Office Saturday as nine-year-old Easton Wilsey, a resident of Royal, the community is left mourning the loss of this young life.
The tragic event unfolded as Wilsey attempted to cross North Railroad Street on his bicycle, resulting in a collision with a Union Pacific freight train. Regrettably, the collision proved fatal, and Easton was pronounced dead at the scene.
Union Pacific, the operator of the train involved in the collision, expressed profound sorrow and condolences, stating, “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.”
The Coroner’s Office has confirmed no autopsy will be performed on the child, attributing the cause of death to the severe injuries sustained during the collision.
The incident remains under investigation by the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office.
