Man Charged In Crash With Metra Train That Killed Wife, Grandson
LAKE COUNTY, IL — Charges have been filed against a man accused of speeding and driving in front of a Metra train late last year, causing a collision that claimed the life of his wife and 13-year-old grandson.
Anthony Shemberger faces two charges of reckless homicide in connection with the deaths of his wife, Patricia Shemberger, 75, and his grandson, Noah Kucinski, 13, of Lockport, according to court records.
Anthony Shemberger, 71, of Antioch, is accused of driving his Hyundai Elantra through a lowered crossing gate on Wilson Road north of Larkin Avenue in unincorporated Antioch on Dec. 18, 2022, according to a criminal complaint filed on Oct. 18 in Lake County Circuit Court. The car hit the Metra train at about 12:10 p.m.
Find out what's happening in Grayslakewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
A Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy witnessed the collision, police told Patch in December. Both Patricia Shemberger and Kucinski were backseat passengers in the Elantra and the time of the crash.
Shemberger was ejected form the vehicle and both Kucinski and Patricia Shemberger were pronounced dead at the scene.
Find out what's happening in Grayslakewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
In his obituary, Kucinski is remembered for his love of animals. The 13-year-old boy wanted to be a zookeeper when he grew up and adored his fish and cat, Zappy. He was involved in chess and drama clubs at his school and loved taking part in science experiments.
He was also interested in horticulture and had “quite a green thumb,” according to his obituary.
“Noah was well loved by his classmates and teachers, and above all by his family. He was a kind, considerate, and intelligent boy. Noah will be greatly missed by all,” according to his obituary.
Noah’s mother is the daughter of Patricia and Anthony Shemberger, according to Patricia’s obituary. Her memorial visitation was held in January.
A memorial mass and wake for Noah was also held in January.
Anthony Shemberger was hospitalized following the collision and later released from the hospital.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.