Crime & Safety

Student Killed in Brookfield Train Crash

Brookfield Central senior who 'touched everyone' was walking along the railroad tracks about 3 a.m.

A 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.

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Before attending Central, she was a student at . 

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.

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"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 . 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."


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