Sleeping TTC worker dies of stroke
Posted November 28, 2010 8:39 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
TORONTO, On. – A Toronto transit ticket collector, who became internationally known for napping while on duty, died Saturday.
George Robitaille, 55, passed away after suffering from a stroke, reported the Amalgamated Transit Union.
Robitaille sparked public interest after passenger Jason Wieler snapped a photograph of him snoozing in a transit fare collection booth in January.
The picture quickly became viral over the web, sparking comments of ridicule and outrage around the globe.
Bob Kinnear, the president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113, said it was unfair that Robitaille was subjected to public derision because he nodded off on a slow night in an overheated booth.
Robitaille was on medication for a cardio condition. He apologized to the public and to his co-workers, then took a medical leave.
Kinnear noted Robitaille had a flawless record during his 29 year career; however, the public reaction over the sleeping photograph left his disheartened.
