The Wheaton community is grieving the loss of a college student-athlete, Tomassino ‘Tommy’ Offer, who tragically died after being hit by a train on Sunday morning. Offer, an 18-year-old from Washington Township, Michigan, was identified by the DuPage County coroner.
The accident occurred around 10:15 a.m. in downtown Wheaton. Offer was crossing the Union Pacific tracks when it happened, according to Metra officials. He had initially stopped at the tracks for a westbound freight train. Witnesses reported that Offer proceeded to cross the tracks after the train had passed, only to be struck by an eastbound freight train, explained Metra spokesperson Meg Thomas-Reile. ‘The incident is under investigation, but current findings suggest it was a tragic accident,’ Thomas-Reile stated.
Offer was a freshman member of Wheaton College’s baseball team. The college community is deeply affected by his passing. ‘Our team is grieving, and our hearts are heavy. We grieve alongside Tommy’s family and friends,’ began Wheaton head baseball coach Matt Husted. ‘This is a difficult time for us all. However, we find peace in knowing he was strong in his faith and that Christ is with him and those close to him.’
The accident took place after Offer attended Mass at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Wheaton. Church officials noted on Facebook that Tommy had ‘faithfully worshipped with us usually at the 9 a.m. Mass,’ since his arrival in August. A memorial Mass for Offer was held on Monday, with requests for prayers for his soul.
Coach Husted characterized Offer as ‘sincere in all aspects of his life.’ He described Offer as ‘joyful, but a competitor — qualities that made him a great teammate.’ Offer’s genuine interest in others and his ability to make them feel important were also highlighted.