Metra chief killed by commuter train in Chicago suburb; had been under investigation

Metra chief killed by train in Chicago suburb

CHICAGO — The executive director of Chicago’s Metra commuter train service was struck and killed by one of the company’s trains early Friday, a week after an investigation began into claims he received an unapproved $56,000 bonus.

Phil Pagano’s death was under investigation, McHenry County Coroner Marlene Lantz said. Pagano’s family had been notified and an autopsy was tentatively scheduled for Saturday, Lantz said.

McHenry County Sheriff Keith Nygren said a pedestrian was struck by a Metra train in unincorporated Crystal Lake early Friday morning.

On April 30, Metra announced that the 60-year-old Pagano was under investigation and that he had been placed on paid administrative leave from his $269,000-a-year job. Deputy Executive Director Bill Tupper was appointed acting executive director.

The allegations against him were to have been one of the subjects of discussion at a Metra board of directors emergency meeting at 10 a.m. on Friday. Metra later canceled the meeting.

Metra had hired attorney James Sotos to investigate allegations that the Metra executive director of 20 years had received an unauthorized $56,000 bonus. No more details were immediately available.

“Phil served this agency with distinction for many years,” Metra said in a statement. “We shall remember the good work he achieved with our board of directors and the men and women of Metra. He was dedicated to our passengers and he always considered the men and women of Metra his family.

“There is a tremendous sense of loss within the agency.”

Regional Transportation Authority executive director Stephen Schlickman expressed “deep regret” at Pagano’s death.

“We express condolences to Phil’s family and to the Metra Board and staff as we all grieve at this difficult time,” Schlickman said. “Phil’s leadership during his 26 years at Metra has distinguished Metra as an exemplary commuter rail service.”

Martin Sandoval, chairman of the Illinois Senate Transportation Committee, said in a statement that Pagano was dedicated to high-quality public transportation.

“The people of Illinois will continue to benefit for years to come from Phil Pagano’s life’s work,” Sandoval said.

Associated Press writer Deanna Bellandi in Chicago contributed to this report.