The Wheaton community is grieving the loss of a student-athlete who tragically died after being struck by a train. The DuPage County coroner identified the student as 18-year-old Tomassino “Tommy” Offer from Washington Township, Michigan.
The incident happened at approximately 10:15 a.m. on Sunday in downtown Wheaton. Offer was walking across the Union Pacific tracks when the accident occurred, according to Metra officials. Observers reported that he waited for a westbound freight train to pass, but was hit by an eastbound freight train when he attempted to cross.
Metra spokesperson Meg Thomas-Reile explained, “The incident remains under investigation, but there’s no indication at present that suggests anything other than a tragic accident.”
Offer was a freshman and a member of Wheaton College’s baseball team. Head baseball coach Matt Husted expressed his sorrow, stating, “Our team is grieving, and our hearts are heavy as we grieve alongside Tommy’s family and friends. This is a difficult time for all of us, but we find peace knowing he was strong in his faith and that Christ is with him and his loved ones.”
Before the incident, Offer attended Mass at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Wheaton. Church officials noted on Facebook that Tommy often worshipped at the 9 a.m. Mass and had “found a spiritual home” at the church since arriving in Wheaton in August. The church held a memorial Mass for him on Monday and requested prayer support on Facebook.
Coach Husted remembered Offer as “sincere in all aspects of his life.” He described Offer as joyful and competitive, which made him an outstanding teammate. Offer’s genuine interest in others and the importance he placed on them were qualities valued by those who knew him.
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