Metro-North has lost its first employee to the coronavirus, the MTA said Monday.
John Oles, a 28-year veteran of the commuter rail road, passed away from complications related to COVID-19, the agency said.
“He was beloved by his colleagues and will be deeply missed,” Metro-North President Cathy Rinaldi said in a statement. “His dedication to public service during this difficult time will not be forgotten.”
Oles, a machinist based in the Harmon Support Shop, is survived by two children and his wife, Lisa, who also works for the railroad.
His passing marks the MTA’s first announced coronavirus-related death outside of its city bus and subway divisions, which have lost at least 50 people total to the virus.
