Tag: worker fatality

Home>News>worker fatality

It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the tragic passing of our brother and colleague, Austin Raysby.

Brother Raysby, a valued member of SMART-TD Local 528 in Chicago who worked as a conductor for Union Pacific, was tragically killed while on duty Sept. 4.

Brother Raysby joined SMART-TD in 2012. Known throughout the crew room for his infectious positivity and fun-loving nature, he brought a lightness and camaraderie that was cherished by all who worked alongside him. His spirit and enthusiasm made him a true friend to his brothers and sisters at UP.

Members of Local 528 knew Austin as a solid railroader and a genuinely good person who was always willing to lend a helping hand and share a laugh. His presence and energy will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of working with him. As our brothers and sisters in Local 528 know, Austin’s presence made a bad day seem tolerable.

Every crew base has one guy who everyone loves to see in the crew room. Brother Raysby was that guy. When you had a bad round trip, and all you wanted to do was mark off your ticket and go home, if you saw Austin, you couldn’t help but talk to him for a few minutes. And somehow, you left work feeling that everything made sense and was okay.

In addition to his work family in Local 528, Austin is survived by his loving parents, three siblings, and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom will remember him for his warmth and kindness. During this profoundly difficult time, the entire SMART-TD community extends its condolences and prayers to his family, friends, and his union family in Local 528.

In honor of Brother Raysby, SMART-TD has established a GoFundMe fundraiser to assist his family with his final expenses.

Donations can be made to support them through this challenging period.

A memorial service to celebrate Austin’s life will be held on Sept. 19 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 410 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake, Ill.

All who knew him are invited to attend and pay their respects.

Buddy Lee Strieker, an officer of Local 219 (Hannibal, Mo.) for the vast majority of his 24-plus years with our union, died as a result of a switching accident on April 7 in Louisiana, Mo. He was 56 years old.
Brother Strieker was vice local chairperson of LCA-001A and the secretary/treasurer of his local for more than two decades. A trainman/brakeman for BNSF, he also served as an LCA secretary and as a delegate for his local at the Second SMART Transportation Division Convention in 2019.
An investigation has been launched by the National Transportation Safety Board into Brother Strieker’s death with a member of the TD National Safety Team participating.
Brother Strieker was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Lisa; his son, Matthew; a granddaughter; two step-grandchildren; three brothers; two sisters and other relatives.
“Away from work, Buddy loved being outside and visiting the family farm,” his family wrote in Brother Strieker’s obituary. “Buddy had a green thumb and enjoyed working in his garden where he grew tomatoes, cucumbers, jalapeños, and banana peppers. A wonderful cook, Buddy made the most delicious cheesecakes, birthday cakes, and soups.”
Tony Wyman, a union brother out of Local 445 (Niota, Ill.) remembered on an online memorial page how he was mentored by Brother Strieker after hiring on as a BNSF conductor.
“Buddy … told me ‘as long as you’re with me you’ll be OK,’ ” Wyman wrote. “I’m heartbroken that he is gone! Buddy had a story or a joke every time he went to work! People of the BNSF family in Quincy lost a legend …and I mean a serious legend!”
The SMART Transportation Division offers its deep condolences to Brother Strieker’s family, friends and to his Local 219 brothers and sisters for the loss of this stalwart and dedicated member of our union.

Our union lost another member late last month in an accident.

Davis
Tyrone Davis, 40, of Local 584 (Meridian, Miss.), passed away the morning of Dec. 23 in Tupelo, Miss., after an on-the-job accident.
Known as “Mr. T” by co-workers, he had been a SMART-TD member since April 2018 and had about 10 years of seniority as a conductor for Kansas City Southern Railroad.
“I trained him — he was a good guy,” Local Chairperson and Secretary & Treasurer Timothy Dallas said.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating Brother Davis’s death, which occurred after he was riding a tank car. SMART-TD union officers are involved in leading the investigation of the incident.
The fatality was the fourth on-the-job death of a member of our union in 2020.
Brother Davis leaves behind a wife and children. Dallas said that members of the local are donating money to assist Brother Davis’s survivors.
Services are scheduled 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 16, 2021, at Union Star Church Cemetery, 5378 Waverly Road, West Point, MS 39773.
An online memorial tribute wall for condolences has been established.