Former NIU Wrestling Standout Killed Crossing Union Pacific Tracks
(DeKalb, Illinois – August 19, 2011)
A 28-year-old pedestrian and former NIU wrestler, Joseph W. Henning, died a little after 11:00 P.M. Friday night as he attempted to cross Union Pacific Railroad tracks at the Second Street crossing in downtown DeKalb, IL, only to be struck by an eastbound Union Pacific freight train.
Henning wrestled for the Northern Illinois University Huskies from 2003 through 2005, attaining status as the Mid-American Conference Wrestler of the Week in February, 2004.
“He was the kind of guy who would do anything for the team,” recalled former NIU Head Wrestling Coach Dave Grant, “He was just well-loved.”
The victim was pronounced dead at the scene, and further investigation into the tragedy is under the authority of the DeKalb Police Dept. and the DeKalb County Coroner’s Office.