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Metrolink Spokeswoman Quits After Quickly Blaming Engineer
Not even 24 hours after the crash, Metrolink Spokeswoman Denise Tyrrell announced that the engineer was to blame because he ran a red light. According to CBS2, she was authorized by the CEO to release the fact and that it was based off a confirmation from the National Transportation Safety Board investigation.
But the NTSB was quick to say that was premature and halted Metrolink from announcing anything else. "I don't know on what basis Metrolink made that statement. We really work very hard not to jump to conclusions," Kitty Higgins is quoted in the LA Times from the Sunday news conference in Woodland Hills.
She quit yesterday releasing this statement: "As a result of actions taken during a closed session Metrolink board of directors meeting yesterday afternoon, as well as subsequent press statements by Metrolink board members concerning me -- I have resigned my position as spokesperson for Metrolink."
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It should be noted that throughout this tragedy, Metrolink has sent out zero e-mails to its usual press list that LAist is on. However, they did set up a webpage to keep people informed.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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