Update, May 10: This story has been updated with more information.
A South Orange man, Thomas J. Gates, has been identified as the person struck and killed by a New Jersey transit train on Wednesday morning, according to multiple reports.
Gates, 51, was a veteran Broadway stage manager who had been serving as production stage manager for the Tony-nominated musical “Illinoise,” according to NJ.com and other media.
Gates is survived by his husband, Rick Steiger, also a Broadway stage manager.
The Wednesday evening production of Illinoise was canceled, according to Deadline.
The production of Illinoise posted on Instagram:
“With heavy hearts we mourn the passing of our Production Stage Manager, Thomas J. Gates. Thom was the center of Illinoise on Broadway, a beloved friend and collaborator. We are devastated for his husband, Rick, another member of the Illinoise community. These two amazing human beings led our company on our journey since the beginning. We dedicate the run of Illinoise to Thom and his loving memory.”
Deadline also reported:
“Gates was a longtime Broadway stage manager whose Broadway credits go back to 2001’s Noises Off and include such major productons as Hairspray, High Fidelity, Newsies the Musical, Pippin, The Visit and Waitress. His resume also includes touring productions of Chicago, White Christmas, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Grease. Off Broadway credits include last year’s Lincoln Center Theater production of The Gardens of Anuncia.”
Singer/composer and actor Sara Bareilles, who worked with Gates on “Waitress,” posted a tribute on Instragram:
“He was gentle. He was funny, usually without meaning to be. He was soft spoken. Reliable. Generous. Loving. Compassionate. Tired and overworked, but I never heard him complain. He was the first one In and the last one out. He has been a stage manager for many shows over the years, and taken care of countless others…but he’s the only one I made my first show with who took care of me. Today is unspeakably tragic for many reasons- I can’t even put words to it. Thom Gates will be missed and loved. I hope he knew that.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up for Steiger, and has raised more than $96,000 as of Friday night. The organizer wrote, “Thom touched so many people in his professional and personal life. And we are forever grateful to have had him in our lives.”
The Maplewood-South Orange Health Department posted on social media: “Mental health and grief counseling services are available to yesterdays commuters or anyone who has been affected by the tragic event. Please contact the Health Department at healthofficer@southorange.org for more information and to be connected to mental health services.”
Release from South Orange Police Chief Ernesto Morillo:
At 912 AM this morning [May 8, 2024], South Orange Police Department responded to the main train station on a report of a person struck by the train. The scene was secured by the SOPD until the arrival by the New Jersey Transit Police Department, at which time full authority was assumed by that department.
The male struck by the train died of his injuries on scene.
At this time a full investigation is being conducted by the NJTPD to determine the cause of the accident.
In the meantime, you may experience some delays with train service on this transit line pending the conclusion of the on scene investigation.
Witnessing events of this nature may be traumatic. Please do not hesitate to seek assistance in coping with this trauma by utilizing the resources available to all of us.
Remember to dial 988 for Mental Health Crisis
Remember to dial 211 for Social Services
Remember to dial 800-222-1222 for Poison Control
Dial 911 for all other Emergencies
Chief Ernesto Morillo
NJTransit’s public information officer sent the following update:
At approximately 9:12 a.m., Morris and Essex Line train 6324, which departed Summit at 8:56 a.m. and was scheduled to arrive in Penn Station New York at 9:42 a.m.., struck and fatally injured an adult pedestrian near the South Orange Station. There were no reported injuries to the 60 customers or crew on board. Morris and Essex and Gladstone Branch service is now operating on or close to schedule. New Jersey Transit police are leading the investigation.
