D.C. - Second employee dies from train injuries

A second Metro employee died today after being struck by a train on Thursday, November 30.

Thirty-six-year-old Matthew Brooks of Waldorf, MD, today succumbed to injuries he sustained after being struck by a train seven days ago. Leslie Arvell Cherry of Clinton, MD, died on the day of the accident. His funeral was held today in Upper Marlboro, MD.

Mr. Brooks, 36, and Mr. Cherry, 52, were both track inspectors who were working together when they were struck by a four-car Yellow Line train on an elevated track between the Huntington and Eisenhower Avenue Metrorail stations at about 9:30 a.m. on Nov. 30.

“Our thoughts are with the family members of Mr. Brooks and Mr. Cherry,” said Metro Acting General Manager Jack Requa. “We are grieving the family’s loss—our loss--and it strengthens our resolve to work harder to ensure the safety of each one of our colleagues. Each life is precious, and it’s unfortunate that an incident such as this reminds all of us in such a harsh way that safety must be a top priority for the Authority and the employees themselves.”

Metro is cooperating with the National Transportation Safety Board on its independent investigation. Metro officials are also conducting their internal investigation in coordination with and on behalf of the Tristate Oversight Committee (TOC), which is in accordance with TOC’s procedures.

The Yellow Line train (train 307) involved in the incident was leaving the Huntington station and heading into the Alexandria rail yard. There were no passengers aboard the train because it was not in service.

The deaths of Mr. Brooks and Mr. Cherry represent the third employee fatalities this year. On May 14, an automatic train control technician was struck and killed by a Red Line train at the Dupont Circle Metrorail station. Seven Metro employees, including these recent deaths, have died after being struck by a train in Metro’s 30-year history.

WMATA Press Release