Broadway producer Thomas J. Gates killed by NJ Transit train

Thomas J. Gates, a popular Broadway stage manager who most recently worked on “Illinoise,” died Wednesday when he was struck and killed by a NJ Transit train.

According to NJ.com, Gates, 51, was struck by a train near his home in South Orange.

“Thom was the center of ‘Illinoise’ on Broadway, a beloved friend and collaborator,” an Instagram statement about the musical posted Thursday said. “We are devastated for his husband Rick, another member of the Illinois community. These two great people have led our company on its journey from the beginning. We dedicate the episode of “Illinoise” to Thom and his loving memory.”

Wednesday night’s performance of “Illinoise” at the St. James Theater was canceled, but the production resumed Thursday.

Gates has worked as a stage manager on Broadway for two decades. He was involved in the backstage performances of “Hairspray”, “Newsies” and “Waitress”, among others.

“He was gentle. He was funny, usually without being so. He spoke quietly. Reliable. Generous. Loving. Compassionate. Tired and overworked, but I never heard him complain. He was the first in and the last out,” wrote actress and artist Sara Bareilles, who worked alongside Gates on “Waitress.”

“He’s been stage manager for many shows over the years and has taken care of countless others…but he’s the only one I did my first show with who took care of me.”

Gates’ most recent project was “Illinoise,” based on Sufjan Stevens’ 2005 album of the same name. “Illinoise” was praised for its atypical character and its ability to capture the unclassifiable energy of Stevens’ music. The show was nominated for Tony Awards in the categories of Best Musical, Best Choreography, Best Orchestration and Best Lighting Design.

NJ Transit officials told NJ.com that a man was struck by a Morris & Essex Line train in South Orange around 9:12 a.m. According to NJ Transit, there were about 60 people on board the train.

Actress Liana Hunt, who starred in “Newsies,” paid tribute to Gates on Instagram.

“I’m heartsick. “Thom made me ‘Newsies’ and guided our ship on the Nederlander with grace, kindness, professionalism and humor,” she wrote. “This is a deeply felt loss in our community. I am shocked and saddened and sending so much love to his family.”