Student Killed in Brookfield Train Crash
Brookfield Central senior who 'touched everyone' was walking along the railroad tracks about 3 a.m.
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A Brookfield Central High School senior died after being struck by a train between Barker and Springdale roads about 3 a.m. Wednesday, police officials said.
Lindsay Huenink, 18, was walking alone on the tracks west of the Barker-River roads intersection when she was struck by the westbound train, police said. The train operator called 911 at 3:02 a.m.
Huenink played on the Lancer's varsity girls basketball team last year, was a member of the Student Council and and was frequently celebrated on the school's honor roll, including its list in February. She also played club soccer for many years.
Before attending Central, she was a student at Brookfield Christian School.
Central High School Principal Don LaBonte said Huenink was an extremely well-liked young woman and a great student. Staff and students are grieving, he said.
"The level of grief in the building was more profound than I've seen before," he said. "Lindsay was so kind and friendly that she touched everyone."
The high school notified students Wednesday morning and district counselors were made available and will be on hand all day Thursday, said Melinda Mueller, Elmbrook’s communications manager.
A letter was given to parents at Wednesday night’s parent-teacher conferences, along with a recorded phone message to all Central parents.
No train operator error was involved, and the area involved is a stretch of tracks with no intersections, lights or crossings near Fox Brook Park. There was no indication that alcohol or drugs were involved, and the crash was not suspicious.
The Canadian Pacific train driver was very cooperative and did not have enough time to react after seeing the victim, Police Capt. James Adlam said.
"By the time they can see you there's literally no way you can stop," he said.
"It's a tragedy," Adlam said. "This is a young girl who lost her life. She had a bright future and a lot of friends."
More than 100 people attended a Wednesday evening vigil outside the school, including coaches, teachers, friends and relatives. People took turns climbing a small platform to speak. Many held candles, placing them after the vigil on steps near the flag poles.
Brett Koscielak, a Marquette University High School student, said Huenink was very outgoing and a "great person."
"She lit up a room with her smile," he said.
Natalie Djilas, a Brookfield Central senior who said she once played soccer with Huenink, said students were in disbelief when they heard about her death in a school announcement.
A friend posted on a Facebook page: "R.I.P. Lindsay. Your infectious smile and laugh will be dearly missed. You'll always be in our hearts."
In This article
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Fox Brook Park
2925 N Barker Rd, Brookfield, WI -
Brookfield Central High School
16900 Gebhardt Rd, Brookfield, WI -
Brookfield Christian School
14155 W Burleigh Rd, Brookfield, WI
Emily Wyman
4:43 pm on Wednesday, March 30, 2011
<3 much love to the huenink family, lindsay will be missed.
Hailey Lorino
6:07 pm on Wednesday, March 30, 2011
You were loved so much, Lindsay. You will be missed, but never forgotten. My thoughts and prayers with her and the Huenink family. <3
Keely
11:59 am on Thursday, March 31, 2011
Unfortunately it was not an accident on her part. She hid a lot from her family, friends and classmates behind her gorgeous smile. We love you Lindsay, rest in peace beautiful <3
DrJohn
12:00 pm on Monday, April 4, 2011
Andy had a comment that I saw before I clicked on 'reply' and it vanished. He questioned whether the engineer blew the air horn or if she had seen the headlights. As a hobbyist, I am in that area quite often watching and photographing trains. The train's headlight would have been visible from the west as the train neared the Brookfield Rd crossing. (especially at night) She should have heard the engineer blow the airhorn for the crossings at both Brookfield and Barker Roads. (This is the 2 long blasts, a short and a long which is standard railroad practice). If she was standing, the engineer might have seen her in time to sound the air horn. But by this time there was nothing the engineer could have done to stop the train in time. If you ever think of making a 'quiet zone' ie no airhorn sounding for crossings, in your neighborhood, keep this story in mind.
My sympathies to the people and families of all involved.
Tonya
1:21 pm on Tuesday, April 5, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to this family. But what was a young girl like this doing out at 3 am on a Wednesday night?
Dan Sunderlage
6:15 pm on Wednesday, April 6, 2011
DrJohn:
Your comment about the train horn is a very good point. As hobbist too these horns need to keep blowing, the consequences are just too high, although tragically in this case would'nt have changed the outcome. My deepest heartfelt prayers go to your family and friends. In the future, when I see the light of a train, I'll see a little of Lindsay's light to brighten my darkest day.
She will always be remembered.
ann sosic
8:49 pm on Friday, April 8, 2011
DEAR FRIENDS AND FAMILY, my heart is heavy for all . Being a parent my self of grown children that attended Brookfield Central, I thank God my children are with me today . It just makes me wonder why she was out there, alone. so late . Did something accure priore to her lonely walk down the tracks.Why did she not go home? why did she not call for someone ? I m sure she had a cell phone. Will we ever know.
Dan Sunderlage
7:24 am on Saturday, April 9, 2011
DrJohn:
This story just gets more tragic as more time goes by. I've never felt such emotion for someone I never met. Since I help on a paper route mornings I actually saw the locomotive (freight not passenger) on the tracks surrounded by police vehicles at about 4am that morning. Although I did'nt know what had happened at the time. I will be in the area this afternoon around 4pm to see things for myself and pay my respects. The Empire Builder goes by around then, maybe I'll see you there.
Keep the faith.
Lisa Sink
10:59 am on Saturday, April 9, 2011
Dr. John, I removed a comment that I felt was inappropriate, given the detail. The circumstances of this young woman's passing, while very public in nature, are also very private to her and her family. Thanks
DrJohn
11:39 am on Saturday, April 9, 2011
Lisa; You will note that I added a statement at the end of my reply to Dan that I did not want it posted generally, but only sent to Dan because of it's revealing nature. I have no objection to your removing it as it was not intended to be posted in the first place.
DrJohn
Dan Sunderlage
6:41 pm on Saturday, April 9, 2011
Left flowers and some tears at Lindsay's memorial today.
An angel is among us now, rest in peace Lindsay.
Ghenna
1:36 pm on Sunday, April 10, 2011
My heart breaks for the pain that dear child must have been living with. Our prayers go up daily for Chris, Linda, and Ryan, and also her grandparents, friends, and fellow students. May God provide them with the grace needed to put one foot in front of the other. Is there any chance - however small - that Lindsay may have been asleep?
Katie
12:41 am on Wednesday, April 13, 2011
At 3am in approximately 20 degree weather, no alcohol nor drugs involved, with airhorns and visible lights, asleep is doubtful? Though too many the answer to "why" may bring a sense of comfort. We do not always get the answer for "why?" while we live our fleeting life on earth. For believers, the answer may come in eternity...
Dan Sunderlage
10:59 am on Wednesday, April 13, 2011
I agree Katie, all of the evidence overwhelmingly shows that this could'nt have been accidental. We just have to live the rest of our short life we have here, and find the "why" when its our time to meet God.