The Detroit online community, whether they live in the region or are ex-pats, is on edge today.
Rachel Jacobs, founder of the popular group Detroit Nation, is unaccounted for and is believed to have boarded Amtrak’s Northeast Regional Train 188, which was on its way to New York City when it derailed last night.
Seven people were reported dead and more than 200 injured.
Detroit Nation has local chapters around the country, aiming to unite Detroit expatriates and encourage them to be part of the revitalization efforts in Detroit. Jacobs has strong roots in Detroit and is the daughter of Gilda Jacobs, who is currently the president and CEO of the Michigan League for Public Policy as well as has served in the Michigan State Senate and State House of Representatives.
Outside of what she’s known for locally, Rachel Jacobs is 39 and the CEO of Pennsylvania-based ApprenNet LLC and also a graduate of Berkley High School.
“Thank you for your thoughts and prayers for our CEO, Rachel Jacobs,” ApprenNet said on its Twitter profile. “We are still looking for Rachel and hope she will be with her family soon.”
Detroit Nation shared on their Facebook page, which is nearly 1,300 strong, “We share the shock and sadness so many are feeling right now as our Founder, Rachel Jacobs, is still unaccounted for after last night’s train derailment in Philadelphia. Our thoughts are with her friends and family as the search continues. Officials are asking people to call this number should you have any information on Rachel: 800-523-9101.”
More updates as we receive them.
