We never know the silent battles that other persons are combating.
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In a sad flip of events, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution studies that General Manager and CEO of Atlanta’s MARTA public transportation system Jeffrey Parker died past due Friday night time. The transit agency confirmed that the 56-year-old dedicated suicide by stepping in entrance of one in every of his personal trains. The DeKalb County Medical Examiner’s Office is not able to unlock additional information about Parker’s passing until after the investigation is completed.
“The MARTA Board of Directors grieves the shocking loss of life of our GM/CEO Jeff Parker who has died by suicide. He used to be an outstanding leader and steward of MARTA whose passing leaves us all heartbroken,” Chairwoman Rita Scott mentioned in a remark on Saturday.
“As chairwoman and on behalf of my fellow MARTA board members, we're devastated at this loss as we valued Jeff’s leadership and seemed forward to him bringing his vision for transit to fruition,” Scott said. “The whole metro Atlanta area owes him a debt of gratitude for his transformational efforts and we will now not forestall operating to build at the foundation he created.”
Since Parker changed into MARTA’s General Manager and CEO in 2018, he oversaw probably the most ambitious expansion plans in the system’s history, treated the overpowering crowds during the 2019 Super Bowl, helped negotiate 3% annual raises for workers, and kept the buses and trains operating right through the pandemic. He was once known for championing the rights of workers and the communities that relied on the MARTA system essentially the most.
“Jeff understood that MARTA is more than just a transportation system—it represents connectivity for citizens and guests of our nice city and area,” Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens stated in a statement. My ideas and prayers are with Jeff’s friends and family, and with the team of workers and board at MARTA, all through this very tough time.
“As we struggle to grasp the complexity of this tragedy, we grieve with and for his spouse Erin, his daughters and all of Jeff’s family and friends as well as his MARTA family,” Chairwoman Scott said. “As we proceed to grieve, we want you to grasp that suicide is preventable and lend a hand is to be had to you. For get admission to to services and products and speedy disaster lend a hand, name the Georgia Crisis & Access Line (GCAL) at 1-800-715-4225, to be had 24/7.”
MARTA’s board of administrators named Collie Greenwood, the present Deputy General Manager, as MARTA’s intervening time CEO at an emergency assembly.
Our hearts pass out to Jeff Parker’s loved ones.
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