239th Street Shop Mourns Death of Co-Worker Billy Wright

SEPTEMBER 10 -- The Local 100 workforce at the 239th Street train yard in the Bronx is in mourning today with the tragic death of CED Cleaner Billy Wright.  He was only 40 years old and was found unresponsive on the tracks at the yard by a co-worker.  He appeared to have fallen and hit his head on the running rail, but the cause of death will be determined by the Medical Examiner.

The accident happened at about 5:00 a.m.  Brother Wright worked the midnight shift at the yard.  He had nearly four years on the job.

Co-worker and fellow Cleaner, Marjorie Stewart, worked with Brother Wright for the past three years and said that everyone at the shop “is in shock.”

“Billy was such a nice person, hard-working, respectful and quiet.  He was well-liked by everyone.  I cried when I found out what happened.  This is devastating for everyone at the shop.”

Local 100 President Tony Utano said of Brother Wright’s death: “This is another gut punch for every transit worker.  We are working closely with the authorities to determine what happened today.”

CED Vice President Shirley Martin said: “This is a very sad day for the entire workforce at 239th Street.  We are reaching out to Brother Wright’s family and will assure them that the union will help them through this difficult time.  Our hearts go out to his family, friends and co-workers. This has been a very difficult time for all transit workers.  To lose another Brother member in this manner is truly heartbreaking.”