New Trier High School Student Dies After Fall On CTA Tracks

EVANSTON, Ill. - A New Trier High School sophomore died on Wednesday after she was electrocuted while walking along CTA tracks in Evanston.

16-year-old Samantha Cerrone was walking on the train tracks at the CTA's Purple Line Central station at approximately 2:30 a.m. when she fell onto the electrified third rail, according to a press statement from Cmdr. Ryan Glew of the Evanston Police Department. Cerrone had been walking along the tracks with another unidentified girl, who also sustained minor injuries. WGN reported that the pair were spending the night at Cerrone's house and had gone out for a walk.

First responders rushed Cerrone to Evanston Hospital, which is across the street from the Purple Line Central station, but she did not survive.

The principal of New Trier's Winnetka campus, Denise Dubravec, confirmed the accident in a school-wide email obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times.

"It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that one of our students, sophomore Samantha Cerrone, has passed away following a tragic accident," Dubravec said. "Our thoughts, prayers, and love go out to her parents and all of her friends and family during this extraordinarily difficult time."

Cerrone was an athlete and active swimmer who was a member of the New Trier Aquatics Swim Club and the school team.

"She treated every race like it was the 50 freestyle," coach Greg Hartman told ABC 7. "Regardless if it was two lengths or more, nothing phased her. She was ready to meet her challengers and did it her own way."

This story has been updated with additional information.