On Friday, November 23rd, all METRO Transit service will pause at 3:20p in memory of operator Mark McLaughlin, who lost his life in the line of duty in Fremont.
McLaughlin died, on November 27th, 1998, while driving the #359 route (now the Rapid Ride E-Line) southbound towards the Aurora Bridge when a passenger opened fire. McLaughlin managed to steer the bus hard left, so it plunged only a few feet down, to land up against an apartment building at North 36th & Troll Avenue N. One other passenger died, 69-year-old Herman Liebelt, due to complications from the crash, 32 people were injured and/or permanently disabled – and the shooter took his own life.
The crash caused severe traffic gridlock around the city, emphasizing the need for safe transit service as well as the significant importance of the Aurora Avenue corridor conduit.
On Friday, at 3:20p, all METRO and METRO-operated Sound Transit buses will pull over (if and where it is safe to do so) to observe a brief moment of remembrance for their fallen friend who left behind two children, and a solid reputation as a dedicated and friendly operator.
All riders, and everyone, are welcome and encouraged to join in this moment of reflection. Consider giving McLaughlin, Liebelt and all victims of such tragic incidents a memorial moment of your time this Friday.