Union Mourns the Loss of Brother Charles Harrison

December 13, 2025

SMART Transportation Division is heartbroken to report the tragic on-duty death of Brother Charles Harrison, a member of Local 847 in Birmingham, Alabama, earlier today, December 13, 2025. Brother Harrison entered the railroad industry with Norfolk Southern and was a proud member of Local 622 until the end of 2023, when he was hired by CSX, where he continued his service to the railroad and to our union family. He had been a SMART-TD member since 2022.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the accident that took Brother Harrison from us. SMART-TD’s National Safety Team is on the scene supporting this process. Because this is an active federal investigation, our ability to comment on the circumstances of the accident is severely restricted.

What we can say is that our entire union family is deeply saddened today. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the members of Locals 847 and 622, to Brother Harrison’s family and friends, and to all who knew and worked alongside him. We will share additional information as we are permitted.