On the evening of February 23, 2004, ten-year-old Michael DeLarco was tragically struck and killed by a Metra train in River Grove, IL. Michael, along with his mother and sister, had taken the train to River Grove to meet his father and visit his very ill great-grandmother one last time. After disembarking from their train, the family waited on the crosswalk for it to clear the station. As the train moved away, Michael, who was ahead of his family, was struck by a second train passing through. His mother, sister, father, and others at the station witnessed the heartbreaking accident.

Michael’s sudden death profoundly impacted not only his family and their friends but also his classmates, teachers, coaches, scout leaders, and the entire community.

Michael was a fifth grader at St. Hubert School, full of energy and always smiling. He was an active member of his school’s basketball team, participated in Boy Scouts for many years, played the trumpet in the St. Hubert Band, and enjoyed soccer and baseball with the Schaumburg Park District. He attended mass regularly with his family at St. Hubert Church.

Known for his helpful nature, Michael would often shovel snow for his neighbors and bring up their newspapers every morning on his way to the school bus. Everyone who knew him felt his warm heart and vibrant personality, but his infectious smile is what they remember most. Polite and respectful, Michael held a special place in the hearts of all who knew him.