Authorities are crediting a Palos Park woman for comforting a distraught teenager who appeared ready to jump into the path of a Metra train Friday night.
Police have not identified the young man or the woman, who was a passenger who had just exited the train when she saw the teen sitting on the Metra rail line bridge.
The 19-year-old was upset over the sudden death of a sibling and wanted to jump, authorities said. The woman asked if the teen was “OK” and persuaded him to visit a hospital and seek treatment.
“After witnessing the selfless act of kindness and compassion for this young man by this women, it is a reminder that caring for people involves the entire community,” Palos Park police watch Cmdr. Chris Hughes said in a statement.
Palos Park officers were called about 9:03 p.m. to 8200 W. 123rd St. after receiving several calls about a stopped vehicle and a teenager on the bridge, authorities said.
When police arrived, they found the woman holding the upset teen, authorities said.
Nick Swedberg is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.