Obituary: RMT union boss Bob Crow passes away aged just 52
Outspoken union leader dies after suffering sudden heart attack
UNION boss Bob Crow died yesterday at the age of 52 after a sudden heart attack.
Crow was rushed to hospital in London on Monday night, where he later died. Doctors at Whipps Cross hospital battled for over an hour to save the Rail, Maritime and Transport union leader, after he suffered a massive aneurism and heart attack.
Former mayor of London Ken Livingstone led tributes to Crow yesterday, expressing his disbelief at the death.
“He fought really hard for his members. The only working-class people who still have well-paid jobs in London are his members,” Livingstone said.
David Cameron offered his condolences to Crow’s family and friends, a spokesperson said.
The Prime Minister’s remarks were echoed by Labour leader Ed Miliband, who added: “I didn’t always agree with him politically but I always respected his tireless commitment to fighting for the men and women in his union. He did what he was elected to do, was not afraid of controversy and was always out supporting his members across the country.”
London mayor Boris Johnson expressed shock at the news. “Bob Crow was a fighter and a man of character. Whatever our political differences, and there were many, this is tragic news,” he said.
Union leaders also came out to remember Crow, who proudly lived in a council house despite earning £145,000 a year.
Assistant general secretary of the RMT union Steve Hedley fought back tears as he gave a statement to the press.
“The RMT has lost a great leader and a great man and the whole working class has lost a true leader,” he said.
Crow leaves behind his partner, Nicola Hoarau, and four children.