Officials identify pedestrian fatally struck by NJ Transit train in South Orange

New Jersey Transit has released the identity of the pedestrian who was fatally hit by a train Wednesday morning in South Orange.

Thomas J. Gates, 51, of South Orange was fatally hit by the Morris and Essex Line train 6324 at about 9:12 a.m. Wednesday near the South Orange Station.

Gates was the stage manager for "Illinoise" on Broadway.

"Thom was the center of Illinoise on Broadway, a beloved friend and collaborator," IllInoise posted on Instagram. "We are devastated for his husband Rick, another member of the Illinoise community. These two amazing human beings led our company on our journey since the beginning. We dedicate the run of Illinoise to Thom and his loving memory."

Grammy-winning singer and actress Sara Bareilles also lamented his loss.

"He was gentle," Bareilles posted. "He was funny, usually without meaning to be. He was soft spoken. Reliable. Generous. Loving. Compassionate. Tired and overworked, but I never heard him complain."

There were no reported injuries to the 60 customers or crew on board the train, said New Jersey Transit.

Following the incident, the Morris and Essex Line and the Gladstone Branch service were both experiencing delays up to 30 minutes in both directions.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: South Orange NJ pedestrian fatally struck by train identified