NORMAL - Authorities have released the name of an Illinois State University student who died Wednesday after being struck by an Amtrak train in uptown Normal.

David Jordan Hirsch was a junior special education major from Hoffman Estates.

He died of multiple injuries, said McLean County Chief Deputy Coroner Barbara Nafziger. Toxicology tests have been ordered and an inquest will be held later.

Hirsch was struck about 2:30 p.m. at the University Street crossing. He was pronounced dead about 30 minutes later at BroMenn Regional Medical Center.

ISU officials have provided aid to Hirsch's roommates and counseling is available to other students.

"As we grieve the loss of a member of the Illinois State family, please remember your safety and the safety of others," university President Al Bowman said in a prepared statement. He asked staff and students to obey traffic laws and be watchful of their surroundings, noting the campus is in the middle of a high-traffic train, bus and automobile corridor.

The train was slowing for a stop at the Normal station a few blocks away.

A mother whose son has been friends with Hirsch since junior high described Hirsch as "sweet caring and funny. He's a kid to me - he grew up with my kid."

Debbie Kaminsky, Hoffman Estates, said, her son, Nick, and Hirsch, who are juniors, have roomed together since college began.

The two young men were active in theater in high school, and Hirsch was always supportive of others, complimenting their work, she said.

"He was genuinely happy about successes everybody else had," Debbie Kaminsky said. "David's just always been around. It's just heartbreaking. No family should have to go through this."

She said her son and his friends were coping with a "very strong support system" of phone calls and e-mails.