DeKALB – Alexander Garivaltis, an NIU associate professor in the Economics department, died April 8 after he was struck by a train in Maple Park, according to the Kane County coroner’s office.

Garivaltis obtained his bachelor’s degree in 2010 and master’s degree in 2011 in mathematics from NIU, according to the NIU website. He went on to earn his Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota in 2017.

Joe King, NIU’s associate director of communications, provided a statement to the Northern Star regarding Garivaltis’ death.

“The university community was deeply saddened Tuesday morning by the news that Dr. Alexander Garivaltis passed away. Our condolences go out to his parents, his extended family and to all of his colleagues in the Department of Economics who have lost a valued colleague,” according to the official statement.

The statement also encourages students and employees who may be struggling with their emotions to seek help.

“We encourage students struggling to process this news to seek help through Counseling and Consultation Services while employees can contact to Employee Well-Being in Human Resource Services,” according to the official statement.

All three railroad tracks were closed on the day of the incident, according to the Maple Park Police Department.