CTA switch worker killed near South Side facility remembered as devoted friend, family man

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Kevin Barlow is being remembered as a devoted friend and family man who always looked out for others.

The 57-year-old CTA switch worker was getting something out of his car when he was shot and killed outside of a South Side rail maintenance facility on Monday morning.

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Barlow, according to his family, lived a life defined by kindness.

"Our hearts are broken by the loss of our beloved son, father, brother, and friend. He lived a life defined by kindness, service, and quiet strength. A proud CTA employee, he loved his work and was always the first to lend a helping hand to coworkers and passengers alike. A devoted member of Prince Hall Masons and Shriners, he believed in giving back and never forgot the neighborhood where he was raised, regularly checking on elderly neighbors and looking out for others. His smile was infectious, his laughter unforgettable, and his protective spirit unwavering. We will forever cherish his love, his example, and the countless lives he touched," his family said in a statement.

Barlow lived next door to his father and was always in close contact with his friends. Those friends are left stunned by Barlow's sudden and violent death.

"Kevin is one of those guys that gives you faith in friendship again. He's going to always reach out to you. He's going to always make sure you're OK. He's going to always call you," said his longtime friend, Percy Greenwood.

According to the CTA, Barlow was shot outside of the 98th Street Rail Maintenance Facility, near State Street, at about 4:15 a.m.

Police say Barlow suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and was rushed in critical condition to Christ Hospital, where he later died.

Barlow's friends are struggling to understand what happened.

"A very helpful person. Loving, kind-hearted, willing to help anybody," said friend Katina Hill.

Greenwood says Barlow was the type of person who always made time to check on those around him.

"He calls and checks on you all the time. Our daughters grew up together. They played together," Greenwood said.

Amalgamated Transit Union Local 308 President Pennie McCoach says Barlow's death underscores the need for stronger protections for transit employees. She says the CTA has arranged grief counselors to help workers cope with the loss.

The union said the shooting happened during an attempted carjacking.

The CTA says the shooting did not occur at a station, no passengers were involved, and rail service was not disrupted.

Officials say they are working closely with Chicago police as detectives review surveillance cameras in the area.

Police have not made any arrests. In the meantime, Barlow's friends ask for prayers and hope he is remembered for the compassion he showed to everyone around him.

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