MARTA officials confirmed the unexpected death of the transportation agency’s CEO and General Manager Jeff Parker Friday night.
Parker had served in the role as MARTA CEO for four years. MARTA officials confirmed Saturday that Parker died by suicide.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens released the following statement on Parker’s passing:
“I am shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden and tragic death of my colleague and friend Jeff Parker. As MARTA’S General Manager and CEO, Jeff and I worked closely together when I chaired the Transportation Committee on City Council. Jeff understood that MARTA is more than just a transportation system—it represents connectivity for residents and visitors of our great city and region. My thoughts and prayers are with Jeff’s family and friends, and with the staff and board at MARTA, during this very difficult time.”
The Atlanta City Council also released the following statement:
“Jeff Parker’s passing is profoundly heartbreaking, and our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends. His time at MARTA was marked with both a pragmatic and profound vision for our region’s future, and his intelligence, thoughtfulness and dedication will be sorely missed. We ask that you keep his loved ones and the staff and board at MARTA in your thoughts and prayers as we mourn this devastating loss.”
And here is a statement from DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond:
“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my friend MARTA CEO Jeff Parker. Jeff was a thoughtful and dedicated leader and will be missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, colleagues at MARTA, and all those who loved him.”
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp also paid tribute:
“He had an incredible mind for transportation and logistics and a heart for people. He will be greatly missed.”
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