A freight train passing through DeKalb in the early hours of Tuesday morning struck and killed a 24-year-old NIU student.

In an apparent suicide, Glenn J. Christiansen, of DeKalb died instantly after being hit by a Union Pacific train shortly after 4 a.m. Tuesday, near the Annie Glidden railroad overpass.

DeKalb police Sgt. Gary Spangler said Christiansen was distraught because of problems in a romantic relationship. He apparently left his job while on duty as night manager of the Best Western Inn and Suites, 1212 W. Lincoln Highway, walked to the tracks behind the hotel and threw himself in front of a train.

Christiansen warned friends of his plan. His friends then informed the police, Spangler said, but they did not arrive in time.

A DeKalb County coroner pronounced him dead on the scene.

It is not known how long Christiansen was on the tracks before he was struck, but it is nearly impossible for a freight train to stop in less than a half mile, Union Pacific spokesman John Bromley said.

The posted speed limit for trains traveling through DeKalb is 50 mph, Bromley said. The freight train had just reduced its speed from 70 mph, the posted speed, before entering the city.

This is the second time this week someone has committed suicide by throwing themselves in front of a Union Pacific train, Bromley said. On Monday a man in California died after being struck by a commuter train.

Nationally, roughly 500 people die a year after being hit by trains. A large number of those are suicides, Bromley said.