Naval Grad Killed in Train Accident

Aliso Niguel High School graduate Chase Church, 23, was killed in an accident only a day after graduating from an eight-week training course in Chicago with the Navy's hospital corps. 

News reports said Church was hit by Union Pacific North Line train No. 343 from Chicago to Kenosha, WI, at about 6:15 p.m. Central time Tuesday while he was trying to cross the tracks with his fellow recruits.

Church, who graduated from Aliso Niguel High in 2006 and lived in Laguna Niguel, was working to become an anesthesiologist. A quote from his Facebook page said, "Don't try to tell me I can't or I won't …'cause I believe you can do anything you want."

He was on his way toward reaching his goal, graduating third in his class and with distinction. Graduating with distinction requires a score of 90 percent or better and qualified him to train at the Naval Surgical School in San Antonio, TX.

Church had announced his graduation on Facebook just hours before the accident. His last post, on Feb. 8 at 4:45 a.m., reads: "Graduation today, freaking finally." 

Church is survived by his mother, Patti, who runs local charity WelcomeINN, and his fiancée, Cameron Butler.