Local 496 in Portsmouth, Ohio, has established an online fundraiser for the family of Joshua Bates, who died unexpectedly Sept. 5 from a heart attack while on the job.
Brother Bates was a conductor for Norfolk Southern and joined the union in May 2023.
“Joshua was not only a dedicated railroad brother but also a loving husband to Marie and a devoted father to their three beautiful children,” said Local 496 Secretary and Treasurer Benjamin Etterling. “His sudden passing is a tragedy that no family should endure, and it is during these dark times that we need to rally together.”
An online fundraiser has been established for Brother Bates’ family.
“The funds raised through this campaign will go directly to his family, assisting them with immediate expenses and ensuring they have the resources they need to navigate the challenging days ahead,” Etterling said. “Every donation, no matter how small, will make a significant impact and provide much-needed comfort to Marie and the children.”
The SMART Transportation Division offers its sincere condolences to Brother Bates’ family, friends, his Local 496 brothers and sisters and all who knew him in this difficult time of loss.
Related News
- Kansas funds passenger rail expansion
- Maryland Passes Monumental Transit Safety Bill
- Brother Wirth Crowned Champion in 168-Pound Masters Division Victory
- Chairman Pauli Announces Retirement, SMART-TD celebrates his career
- New Mexico Local 1687 sets new precedent with Red Apple Transit
- Tentative Agreement Reached With TransitAmerica Services (TASI)
- Make sure your voice is heard, update your contact information
- Union leaders, community supporters to rally Friday, April 4, in support of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia and family
- New CSX conductor improvises to save a life
- SMART News: Protecting Railroad Retirees’ Future