Two Port Authority employees die from COVID-19

Two employees of the Port Authority of Allegheny County recently died from COVID-19.

“Today, our hearts are broken,” Port Authority CEO Katharine Kelleman said in a news release. “We are mourning the loss of two members of the Port Authority family. On behalf of Port Authority’s Board and the entire agency, we extend our deepest sympathies to their families and loved ones. Their commitment to serve customers was truly emblematic of all of our frontline employees.”

One employee was an operator for 21 years and, most recently, worked out of the East Liberty bus garage, the release stated. Marlon Lucas, 57, last worked Nov. 25.

“He was the rock of my ministry. He was the rock of our Christian fellowship. He was the rock,” said Pastor Milton Raiford.

Raiford said not only was Lucas a man of faith, but he was a husband to his wife, Dana Raiford, of 33 years and a father to his two children.

We’re told last Wednesday, Lucas went to the hospital after getting COVID-19. By Friday, he was on a ventilator. And early Sunday morning, he died.

“Marlon was the kind of guy that if somebody came to church that was troubled, and they were broken, and they didn’t have a father, he was like an oak tree. I would say sit next to Marlon because he’ll provide the shade that you need and comfort that you need,” Raiford said.

Lucas’ family set up a gofundme to help pay for funeral expenses and “in memory of his public service,” at https://www.gofundme.com/f/marlon-j-lucas-memorial-fund.

The second employee was an operator for seven years and, most recently, worked out of the Collier bus garage. Patrick Hazlett last worked Nov. 24, and a member of his family reported that he had tested positive for COVID-19 the following day. He died Monday at 34 years old.

The Amalgamated Transit Union Local 85 family is also mourning the loss of Hazlett.

He was a husband and father of four.

Hazlett battled COVID-19 in the hospital for 10 days and then died Monday morning.

One of his family members said they believe he got COVID-19 from driving the bus. They also tell Channel 11 that Hazlett talked about how some passengers would actually cough in the face of drivers who told them to wear a mask.

Since the start of the pandemic, 186 Port Authority employees have tested positive for COVID-19, including 127 since Nov. 1, according to the release. Ninety-two employees have recovered and have been cleared to return to work, and 92 are recovering at home, the release stated.

Port Authority is offering grief counselors to any employees seeking support.

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