A Chicago-bound Metra train was delayed in Elgin this morning after a pedestrian was struck on the tracks and killed.

Elgin man struck, killed by Metra train

A 38-year-old Elgin man was struck and killed by a Metra train departing from downtown Elgin early Thursday morning.

Samuel F. Watkins was pronounced dead at 6:20 a.m., nearly an hour after city fire officials were called to the scene.

She said the train conductor would not be tested for drugs or alcohol because there is no reason to believe he was under the influence of any substance.

Metra death ruled an accident

Samuel Watkins knew it was treacherous to walk along Elgin's Metra tracks and even warned his children to stay away from the city's railroad lines, authorities said.

A Metra engineer told police Watkins, 38, of Elgin, also knew a train was headed in his direction just before he was fatally mowed down on the tracks near Kimball Street.