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Man dies after jumping out of moving Red Line train, hitting third rail

By FOX 32 Digital Staff
Published  October 14, 2025 6:22am CDT
Chicago Transit Authority
FOX 32 Chicago

The Brief

    • A 44-year-old man died early Tuesday after forcing open the doors of a moving Red Line train near the 79th Street station and jumping onto the tracks.
    • Service was suspended between Garfield and 95th/Dan Ryan as crews responded and shuttle buses were provided for commuters.
    • The CTA advised riders to expect delays and use alternate bus routes during the disruption.

CHICAGO - A man died after forcing open the doors of a moving Red Line train and jumping out on the tracks, temporarily halting service Tuesday morning.

What we know:

The 44-year-old was riding the train around 4:40 a.m. near the 79th Street station when he forced open the doors and jumped out, making contact with the third rail, according to Chicago police. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives have launched a death investigation and autopsy results are pending, police said.

CTA service disrupted

Red Line service was suspended around 4:50 a.m., with trains operating only between the Howard and Garfield stations, according to the CTA.

Shuttle buses were deployed to transport riders between Garfield and 95th/Dan Ryan while crews worked to restore normal operations.

Commuters were advised to consider alternate routes, including the No. 29, No. 75, and No. 79 bus lines. 

Service was restored just before 9 a.m. but trains were running with "significant delays"

Tap here for the latest updates.

The Source: The information in this report came from the Chicago Police Department and the CTA.

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