Second King County Metro bus driver dies of COVID-19

KING COUNTY, Wash. — A public transportation agency in Washington state says a second Metro bus driver has died from complications related to COVID-19.

King County Metro Transit said 71-year-old Mike Winkler died June 17 after several weeks fighting the virus.

His domestic partner Karla Mestl said he contracted COVID-19 in March.

The Seattle Times reported that Winkler drove buses for 32 years, mainly working in Shoreline.

Another Metro driver, 59-year-old Samina Hameed, died in April.

A spokesperson says the Metro has gradually implemented more safety measures and drivers should expect higher-grade KN-95 masks within one to two weeks.

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