Wheaton Community Mourns Loss of Student-Athlete

The Wheaton community is grieving the loss of a college student-athlete, Tomassino “Tommy” Offer, who tragically died on Sunday morning after being struck by a train. Tomassino, 18, hailed from Washington Township, Michigan. The DuPage County coroner confirmed his identity.

The incident occurred at around 10:15 a.m. in downtown Wheaton. Offer was attempting to cross the Union Pacific tracks when the accident happened. Metra officials stated that he waited for a westbound Union Pacific freight train to pass and then continued across the tracks. Unfortunately, while crossing, he was hit by an eastbound freight train, according to Metra’s spokesperson Meg Thomas-Reile. “The incident remains under investigation but all evidence points to a tragic accident,” Thomas-Reile said.

Offer was a member of the Wheaton College baseball team, being a freshman at the time of his passing. “Our team is experiencing deep sorrow, grieving with Tommy’s family and friends,” said Wheaton head baseball coach Matt Husted. Husted added, “This is a difficult period for everyone, but we find peace in knowing he was strong in faith, and Christ is with him and his loved ones.”

Before the incident, Offer had attended Mass at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Wheaton. The church articulated that Offer regularly worshipped there, often attending the 9 a.m. mass. “For a short time, Tommy has faithfully worshipped with us,” the church posted on its Facebook page. He had also found a spiritual home at St. Michael’s since arriving in Wheaton in August. The church organized a memorial Mass for Offer on Monday, urging parishioners to pray for his soul.

Coach Husted commented on Offer’s character, describing him as “sincere in all aspects of his life.” He remembered Offer as “joyful” and a “competitor”—traits that made him an admirable teammate. Offer had shown genuine interest in other people and demonstrated they were important to him.