Dog kept watch next to her

Blind student (20) hit by train – dead!

Jennifer Kasunick (20) died while crossing the tracks, her assistance dog "Rowdy" was unharmed.(Bild: WKYC)

The tragic death of Jennifer Kasunick shocked the small town of Holland in the US state of Michigan. The 20-year-old died when she was hit by a freight train at a level crossing without barriers. Apparently neither the blind student nor her assistance dog had heard the train.

Kasunick had been a popular student in her community and had participated in daily activities since kindergarten despite her visual impairment.

In high school, she was part of the track team and successfully ran middle distance with the help of classmates. She also taught herself to play the violin by ear and even played in the college orchestra.

Dog "Rowdy" kept watch
According to a report from the Holland Police Department, the student was lying unconscious in the snow at the side of the road and was no longer breathing. She succumbed to her serious internal injuries shortly after being taken to the emergency room. The police are still investigating how the fatal accident occurred. Kasunick's dog "Rowdy" was found unharmed next to her: He was keeping watch.

A police spokesman told TV station WKYC: "Apparently she wasn't quite off the tracks when she was hit by the train, or just too close to the tracks without realizing it."

"I'm in shock"
There is now a cross on the spot where Jennifer was discovered, and her fellow students have left letters and stuffed animals. Like Elijah Kubaisi: "I'm in shock. It's just terrible!"