Press Releases - Department of Transportation

MCDOT Employee Passes Away from COVID-19

For Immediate Release: Thursday, April 16, 2020

Michael Miller, who helped manage the Ride On bus fleet for the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT), has passed away from complications of the COVID-19 virus. Mr. Miller is the first County employee whose death is attributed to the pandemic virus. He passed away on the evening of April 15.

Mr. Miller, 60, was a member of the MCDOT Transit Services Division based in the Silver Spring/Bethesda Depot. He has worked for the County since 2011 and lived in Prince George’s County.

“I’m very sorry to report the death of our first County employee due to COVID-19,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “The loss of a valued County employee is hard on everyone, especially during these difficult times.”

Mr. Miller had been out of work with illness symptoms since March 30. His diagnosis of being infected with the COVID-19 virus was confirmed to Montgomery County on April 7. Prince George’s County public health staff conducted contact tracing in accordance with established protocols.

“Mike worked hard every day to make sure buses left the depot in good condition, and on time, to serve the residents of Montgomery County,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “All of his co-workers in the Silver Spring/Bethesda Depot and the Department of Transportation are mourning the loss of a great friend and colleague.”

MCDOT Depot Chief Andre Lucas said: “He was particularly appreciated for his infectious smile and caring personality, his dedication to his fellow co-workers and his job duties. He was much appreciated for his willingness to go above and beyond at any moment to get the job done.”

Montgomery County operations have been following increased cleaning measures, and practicing social distancing measures, during the COVID-19 health crisis. After learning an employee has diagnosed with the virus, established procedures were followed throughout the Silver Spring/Bethesda Depot. Work spaces were isolated and cleaned. Members of the depot work team were notified about potential exposure to COVID-19.

Mr. Miller is survived by his wife, Donna, and their children.

County flags were lowered to half-staff by order of County Executive Elrich in Mr. Miller’s memory.

Release ID: 20-079
Media Contact: Hannah Henn 240-777-8389