Broadway veteran Thomas J. Gates struck and killed by NJ Transit train

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

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

“Thom was the center of ‘Illinoise’ on Broadway, a beloved friend and collaborator,” read an Instagram statement from the musical posted Thursday. “We are devastated for his husband Rick, another member of the ‘Illinoise’ community. These two amazing human beings led our company on our journey since the beginning. We dedicate the run of ‘Illinoise’ to Thom and his loving memory.”

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

Gates had been working as a stage manager on Broadway for two decades. He was part of the backstage operation of “Hairspray,” “Newsies” and “Waitress” among several other shows.

“He was gentle. He was funny, usually without meaning to be. He was soft spoken. Reliable. Generous. Loving. Compassionate. Tired and overworked, but I never heard him complain. He was the first one In and the last one out,” wrote actress and artist Sara Bareilles, who worked alongside Gates on “Waitress.”

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

Gates’ newest project was “Illinoise,” based on the 2005 Sufjan Stevens album of the same name. “Illinoise” has been praised for its atypical nature and ability to capture the unclassifiable energy of Stevens’ music. The show was nominated for Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Choreography, Best Orchestrations and Best Lighting Design.

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

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

“I’m heartbroken. Thom put me into ‘Newsies’ and ran our ship at the Nederlander with grace, kindness, professionalism and humor,” she wrote. “This is a deeply felt loss in our community. I’m shocked and sad and sending so much love to his family.”