Statement from RTO Vice President Canella Gomez

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11 -- With a heavy heart, we must announce one of our own passed away this morning, a 38-year old Train Operator who was just hired in May. First and foremost my deepest condolences to her family.

She was found shortly before 8:30 a.m. morning incapacitated and unresponsive on a track inside the Moshulu Yard. It’s not clear what caused her tragic death.

Train Operator Chair, JL Rodriguez, met with system safety and upper management at the yard to gather details and investigate what may have occurred.

At this time I am still at the hospital with the family and one of the Train Operators that discovered her incapacitated on the tracks, to make sure he also gets the assistance he needs. The union and MTA Management have agreed on a Safety Stand Down at Moshulu Yard for the next 24 hours until more information is gathered.

There is nothing more we can say at this time but we will keep you posted with developments.