Head of Atlanta’s transit system kills self by stepping in front of commuter train

The top executive of Atlanta’s MARTA transit system has died by suicide after stepping in front of a commuter train, officials said.

Jeffery Parker, 55, the CEO and general manager of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority since 2018, was hailed by MARTA Board Chairwoman Rita Scott as a dedicated civil servant and leader in a statement Saturday announcing his death.

“The MARTA Board of Directors grieves the shocking death of our GM/CEO Jeff Parker who has died by suicide,” Scott said.  “He was an outstanding leader and steward of MARTA whose passing leaves us all heartbroken. “

Bill Floyd, a member of the MARTA Board,told Decaturish.com that Parker died Friday after stepping in front of a train at a MARTA station in Decatur, Ga.

The MARTA Board of Directors on Saturday named Deputy GM Collie Greenwood, the former chief service officer of Toronto’s transit system, as interim General Manager and CEO.