Metra's executive director, under investigation for his agency's financial irregularities, apparently walked in front of one of his agency's own trains this morning in Crystal Lake and killed himself, the Northwest Herald reported.
Phil Pagano, the commuter rail agency's longtime chief, reportedly committed suicide two hours before a Metra board meeting where it appeared he would be stripped of his powers.
Pagano, 60, had been executive director of Metra since 1990. Regional Transit Authority spokeswoman Diane Palmer confirmed that it was Pagano who was hit by the train.
Metra, the state's attorney's office, and federal officials were all investigating misuse of funds at the commuter rail agency.
The first investigation began when Metra Chairwoman Carole Doris found out that Pagano "received an unauthorized $56,000 'bonus' on top of his $269,625 salary," according to the Chicago Tribune.
Pagano may have been taking advance pay on future vacation time, multiple reports have speculated.
He was on paid administrative leave while Metra's board "initiated a top-to-bottom review of Metra’s financial policies and procedures, focusing on the compensation and benefits of all non-contract employees, including the Executive Director," a statement from Doris on Metra's website said.
While McHenry County sheriff Keith Nygren would not confirm the victim's identity to the Herald, he did confirm it appeared to be a suicide.
"The sheriff said there appeared to be no car near the train tracks, and that the victim appeared to walk on them," the Herald reported.
More details to come.
UPDATE 12:08 p.m.:
Metra's board released a statement on Pagano's death this morning focusing on his service at the commuter rail agency.
It is with great sadness that we report the passing this morning of Philip A. Pagano.
Phil served this agency with distinction for many years. Today, 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 and there is a tremendous sense of loss within the agency.
Metra spokesman Michael Gillis said this morning's emergency board meeting was cancelled, and there was no immediate plan for when the financial irregularities would be taken up next. Pagano was widely expected to be stripped of his powers this morning.
RTA Executive Director Steve Schlickman released a statement mourning Pagano this morning, as well.
It is with deep regret that the RTA learned this morning of the passing of Phil Pagano, Metra Executive Director. We express condolences to Phil’s family and to the Metra Board and staff as we all grieve at this difficult time. Phil’s leadership during his 26 years at Metra has distinguished Metra as an exemplary commuter rail service.
Schlickman had released a statement yesterday saying the RTA took the Metra Board’s investigation of financial irregularities seriously, and was also in touch with federal authorities in their investigation.
UPDATE 2:18 p.m.:
This is the second time in the last year an official under the umbrella of the RTA has committed suicide.
RTA board member Michael Scott committed suicide last November amidst allegations he had abused his privileges in two other government positions. Scott was accused of trying to profit on Olympics-related real estate while serving on Mayor Daley's Olympic committee, as well as improperly using his Chicago Public Schools-issued credit card while he was president there.
Scott was found with a gunshot wound to the head in the Chicago River last November.
Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich aide Chris Kelly also committed suicide last year after pleading guilty to participating in an O'Hare kickback scheme. Kelly was found dead after overdosing on pills last September.
Orlando Jones, godson and aide to former Cook County Board President John Stroger, shot himself on a Southwest Michigan beach in 2007 after being confronted by FBI agents about possible foul play regarding hospital contracts in Las Vegas.