An 18-year-old college student has died following a tragic accident on railroad tracks in his hometown. Henry “Kellen” Blackmore of Geneva, Illinois, a student-athlete at North Central College, was killed after being struck by a freight train on the evening of Sunday, February 8, 2026. The incident has cast a pall of grief over both his college community and his hometown.
The accident occurred at approximately 9:51 p.m. near a key railroad crossing in Geneva. Authorities state that Blackmore was struck by an eastbound freight train on the northernmost track just west of the Western Avenue grade crossing, a location situated east of Western Avenue along the Union Pacific-West railway line. First responders were dispatched immediately after receiving reports of a pedestrian involved in a train accident.
Emergency personnel from the Geneva Police and Fire Departments arrived to find the train conductor at the scene. Blackmore was located near the tracks and was pronounced dead there by responding officials. The stopped freight train blocked the Western Avenue crossing for several hours as investigators processed the scene.
Preliminary findings from the ongoing investigation indicate that Blackmore was alone at the time of the incident. The Geneva Police Department has stated that no foul play is currently suspected. The investigation into the precise circumstances remains active and is being conducted jointly by the Geneva Police Department and the Kane County Coroner’s Office.
Blackmore was remembered as a cherished member of the North Central College community, where he was a dedicated player on the college’s volleyball team. Teammates, coaches, and friends described him as a passionate and energetic individual whose spirit and kindness left a lasting impact both on and off the court. The college has expressed deep sorrow and is coordinating support and grief counseling for affected students and staff.
The sudden loss has prompted an outpouring of condolences from across the region. As the community mourns, officials continue to investigate the final moments leading to the accident. Other agencies assisting at the scene included the Metra Police Department and the Kane County Office of Emergency Management. Details regarding memorial services are pending and expected to be shared by the family and college in the coming days.
