When many of us board a bus, train, or plane, we’re thinking about getting the perfect seat, the day ahead, or trying to avoid the person who looks like they want to chat. Rarely do we consider that by stepping onto this vehicle, we’re entrusting our lives to its operator. Many of us may not think about how much sleep they got the night before, whether they may be preoccupied by matters in their personal lives, or how they might navigate a health crisis while they work. Thankfully, the people who boarded Ruize Bell’s bus in Gaithersburg, Maryland, were in good hands.
On April 30, 2025, Bell suffered a heart attack while he was driving passengers on The Ride On bus he operated, NBC Washington reports. As the 63-year-old was moving south on Interstate 355, he pulled the bus to the side of the road. Sadly, Bell did not survive the heart attack. But in death, his community is remembering the father of 10 as a hero.
“He was a hero for his family and for the Gaithersburg depot in general. He was just an all-around to me, a superman,” transit bus operator, Jennifer Beckwith, told NBC Washington.
Bell had worked as a transit operator for Montgomery County since 2012. He was an active union member who served as the shop steward for the county’s government employee organization. Those in Bell’s personal life are also celebrating his valor as they grieve his loss.
His daughter Zhane, spoke to 7KPLC about her pride. “He was actually able to pull over and stop and park it safely. I was like, ‘Dang, that’s my dad.’ Because no matter what, he thought about everybody else before himself,” she said.
She continued, sharing how much her father enjoyed his work. “It’s the toughest thing we’ll probably ever have to go through,” Zhane said about the grief. “But I know he’s still here and I know he would want us all to be strong,” she continued. “He loved driving the bus … Just to see how everybody’s pouring in all the love and everything, calling him a hero, is really, really warming inside.”
Bell’s supervisor, Latika Ochieng, said his last act was symbolic of his character. “To be suffering his own tragedy and to still think about protecting other people. I don’t think people know how that could’ve gone in so many other ways,” Ochieng told 7KPLC.
More than just the employee he was or even his last heroic act, his coworkers are going to miss Bell for the person he was: a Dallas Cowboys fan who liked golf and grilling, NBC Washington reports.
A fellow coworker said his death has left a void in their heart. “The pain that I felt in the chest — it was a little tightening,” Yader Mendez said, per NBC Washington. “I got nervous. I was told by another coworker of his passing, so it’s one of those things where it’s hard to swallow.” Bell is survived by his wife, six daughters, and four sons.
