In a tragic turn of events shrouded in Thursday morning's fog, 17-year-old Marin Lacson was struck and killed by a Metra train while on her way to Barrington High School. NBC Chicago reported that the incident happened near Main and Hough Streets in Barrington, a particularly treacherous morning due diligence must be made to the fact that a dense fog advisory had been issued for every county in the Chicago area through the afternoon and into the early evening.
According to a statement released by Supt. Craig Winkelman, Marin Lacson, a beloved junior, was part of both the school's Chinese Immersion Program and the lacrosse team, before attending BHS, courses of her life took her through the halls of Countryside Elementary and Station Middle Schools; Winkelman confirmed the availability of grief counselors for students grappling with the sudden loss of their peer, a specific team of adults has also been established at BHS to support students during difficult times such as this. Though officials have scarcely divulged the full circumstances surrounding the fatal accident, it is known that Lacson tried to cross the tracks after one train had passed, tragically unaware of a second oncoming train, as reported by ABC 7 Chicago.
The untimely passing of Lacson has shattered the hearts of many, especially her friends and teammates. Isabella Benton, a teammate and friend, is among those mourning, she described Marin's personality as "the best, positive energy, so beautiful" in an interview with NBC Chicago. Benton was one of many who paid their respects at the growing makeshift memorial by the train crossing, reflecting on better days past and the stark finality of their loss.
The school is now enveloped in grief, with Lacson remembered as a standout member of not just Barrington's, but also Second City's lacrosse teams; as her peers return to classes under the weight of grief, the school has arranged for counselors to be on hand to offer the necessary support. Lacson's ability to make others feel welcome was a testament to her warm spirit, teammate Isabella Benton recounted how Marin "[made] everyone feel welcome" in her comments to ABC 7 Chicago, capturing the essence of a soul gone too soon, but one who left an indelible mark on all those fortunate enough to have known her.
