HARVEY, Ill. (WGN) — A family continues to grieve after the death of a 27-year-old woman who was involved in a deadly car versus train crash in the southern suburbs last week.
"She was just an amazing young lady," Jeffery Williams said. "Very loving, caring, happy. We all loved her. I feel horrible right now."
Williams spoke of his 27-year-old niece, Kimberly Hail, who was one of three people killed last Wednesday when the vehicle she was in collided with a train in Harvey.
Williams said he cherishes the memories he has with Hail, who was known for supporting her family and being open to trying new things, like taking martial arts classes at his studio.
"Family's very close. It's really striking us hard right now," Williams said. "She didn't go as far [with the martial arts classes], but at least gave it a try — gave it a try for a month or two."
Williams said he heard Hail was a passenger in the car with two other people and were on their way to drop her off at her home, having already dropped another family off along the way.
"My other niece, I believe, was in the car at that time so, they had dropped her off," Williams said.
According to a spokesperson for the City of Harvey, the driver of a black vehicle tried to cross the train tracks near Park Avenue and East 153rd Street ahead of an approaching CSX train when the vehicle was hit by the train and dragged along the tracks.
CSX transportation officials confirmed the vehicle bypassed lowered crossing gates and hit the side of the CSX Train.
Hail, along with another man and a woman, were all in the vehicle at the time and died from their injuries in the crash.
The identities of the other two victims have yet to be released by authorities.
"We have warnings for a reason on crossing railroads, signals and lights," Williams said. "It'd best for people to take a second."
Williams said Hail leaves behind a five-year-old son, five siblings, her parents and many loving cousins.
A GoFundMe Page was established by Williams to help the family pay for Hail's funeral expenses.
Those interested in donating can do so by following this link.
No other information is available at this time.