NJ Broadway Stage Manager Killed By Train

Thomas Gates, the stage manager of a Tony-nominated Broadway show and New Jersey resident, was struck and killed by a train this week.

Gates, 51, was struck by Morris and Essex Line train 6324 on Wednesday, May 8 at 9:12 a.m. at the South Orange station, NJ Transit officials confirm.

The South Orange resident had been working as the stage manager for "Illinoise," a Broadway show that had four Tony Award nominations this year.

The show mourned his loss on its Instagram account, noting he was the "center of Illinoise on Broadway, beloved friend and collaborator.

"We are devasted for his husband Rick, another member of the Illinoise community. These two amazing human beings led our company on our journey since the beginning," the post reads. "We dedicate the run of Illinoise to Thom and his loving memory."

According to Playbill, Gates worked on some of Broadway's biggest hits including "Hairspray," "Newsies," "Pippin," "Waitress," and more. He led tour productions of "Chicago," "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," "Grease," and had multiple credits in between, Playbill said.

Broadway performers, former colleagues, and loved ones mourned his loss.

Thomas Gates was my stage manager on my Bdway debut BKLYN. I luckily had him on many more shows as well. He was just the...

Posted by Julie Reiber Bennett on Thursday, May 9, 2024

What a kind soul you were Thomas Gates. I will miss you and cherish our days of HAIRSPRAY and our moments of joy headed to our separate gigs. You were truly one of the best in this business. I love you.🙏🏾🕊️❤️

Posted by Dwayne Cooper on Thursday, May 9, 2024

Thomas Gates was just the kindest, the sweetest, the loveliest. Always a joy working with him. A wonderful man. Much love to Rick and his family.

Posted by Vadim Feichtner on Thursday, May 9, 2024

A GoFundMe campaign for Gates' husband, Rick, had raised more than $59,000 as of press time.

"I know if you're reading this, you are feeling the great sadness of the sudden loss of our beloved Thom. It is hard to imagine this world without him or find words to understand it," reads the campaign launched by Lisa Iacucci.

"Rick and Thom are so much in our hearts. Setting up this account is a small way of showing Rick our love and support and to ease his mind of some financial worries of the coming months."