A Milwaukee County bus driver recently died after he was struck by a suspected drunk driver.
Three weeks ago, police say 51-year-old Anthony Jamal was walking to the bus stop to catch a ride to work when a suspected drunk driver jumped the curb and hit him.
For the past two decades, Jamal was in the driver's seat for MCTS. His coworkers said he was known for always lending a hand to passengers and giving a friendly wave to those on the road.
"He talks about the job in a positive way, he likes going to work, he likes meeting people," said coworker Christopher Martin.
On May 4, at the corner of 107th Street and Bradley Road, that all changed when his short walk to the bus stop turned into a tragedy.
"It was just heartbreaking," Martin said.
According to the criminal complaint, Atoya Doss admitted to driving drunk, falling asleep at the wheel and did not see Jamal until after she struck him.
"I was devastated to hear that he was on his was to work," said MCTS driver Marcia Mobbs.
Police said Doss left the scene. Good Samaritans pulled over to assist Jamal and call 911. Doss returned to the scene 10 minutes after emergency crews were called. Jamal died from his injuries two weeks later.
"The morale was really low because he was a great guy and it came as a shock to everyone," Martin said.
Martin says Jamal will be remembered as an optimistic man who was passionate about Christianity and his family.
"I believe the lesson that should come out of this is that we should appreciate each day that we are given," Mobbs said.
Jamal's funeral service will take place this Saturday at Christian Fair Fellowship Church on Good Hope Road.
Doss has been charged with three felonies.
