Train Operator Dies But Brings Train to Halt

Train Operator Dies But Brings Train to Halt

By GINGER ADAMS OTIS

A Train Operator with New York City Transit died June 26 while driving a number 2 train in Brooklyn, apparently from a massive heart attack, transit officials confirmed last week.

Forty-nine-year-old Emery Alexander was nearing the end of his overnight shift when the incident occurred. Authorities weren't able to immediately pinpoint the onset of symptoms because Mr. Alexander never regained consciousness.

Managed to Stop Train

NYC Transit spokesman Paul Fleuranges said a full report was expected from the Office of Systems Safety this week. Although the details of Mr. Alexander's final moments are still being clarified, it's believed his heart attack began sometime around 9 a.m., just before or after he drove his train into the Eastern Parkway station.

Mr. Alexander reportedly was able to bring the train to a stop without engaging the dead-man feature that automatically triggers the brakes.

The first sign of trouble came when the Train Conductor gave an all-clear signal to the Operator to close the doors and move ahead. Not getting a response from Mr. Alexander through the intercom or radio system, the Conductor went to the front of the cab and found him unconscious.

Paramedics were unable to revive Mr. Alexander in the station. He died a few hours later at Methodist Hospital. His wife, two sons, a sister and many friends had been planning a surprise 50th birthday party for the 17-year transit veteran last month.

Bitter Over Contract

One of his colleagues at Transport Workers' Union Local 100, Train Operator Rosalyn Carr, later took Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chairman Peter L. Kalikow to task for not ratifying the contract deal that would have granted Mr. Alexander's family $50,000 under an enhanced death benefit.

"Brother Emery Alexander fell on the job. He brought his train to a perfect stop. That's where he died," Ms. Carr said to Chairman Kalikow at an MTA board meeting June 28. "Do you remember back in December when you agreed to an additional $50,000 death benefit for transit workers who die in the line of duty? It's in the contract you agreed to. The contract the MTA Board is not even voting on. You should be ashamed."

The MTA board declined to respond.