Hobo Shoestring Mark Nichols last update.

Our friend Hobo Shoestring has caught the west bound. Rest easy friend.

[@permanentmeanstreak9054]

Shoestring and Jim Stobe are cruising the golden rails in heaven together now

[@andrewnicholas9079]

Nobody can fill there shoes. Stobe brought me to shoestring, now what. Wtf man.

[@nunstersplace]

@@andrewnicholas9079 Really I have been thinking the same. The two people that brought us great train riding videos and shared their knowledge with us are both gone now. Such a sad day.

[@andrewnicholas9079]

@nunstersplace it's effected me more than I could of ever imagined.

[@cjnoldner8526]

Yes they are they will never die in our hearts.

[@johnsalomone5101]

??? Hmmmmm,,

[@terrybane6206]

Riding trains brought Mark his peace on earth. He did exactly what he loved doing for almost 35 years. Respect Sir. Rest In Peace Shoestring.

[@FrigginKlar]

I made this comment before but it bears repeating. We can know for sure that Mark was so proud of what he had accomplished with his KZbin channel. I remember the video where he showed us his plaque from KZbin for achieving 100,000 subscribers. And I remember how important it was for Mark to let us know that KZbin income had made him financially independent and that he did not need social assistance any longer. Mark was very happy and proud of his success. We can find comfort in the knowledge that we helped Mark to achieve his dream just by watching his videos. Thank you, Shoestring, for sharing your adventures with us.

[@PorchHonkey]

Well said . Rest easy Ole beauty 🙏

[@uuuultra]

Now we have no hobos to watch anymore. Stobe & Shoestring were the only good ones.

[@therasleys8268]

Absolutely well said. 👊🏽

[@slserenader]

@@uuuultra yeah, no one can recreate stobe or shoestring, they both had specific unique styles of documenting their adevntures. I love rewacthing their videos all the time.

[@lemanski40]

What a beautiful comment. RIP SHOESTRING ❤❤❤

[@jerrysolinas3162]

I'm a retired Railroader Machinist Erie-Lackawanna ConRail Northforksouthern Rest in peace Shoestring 🙏 You were the best ..

[@spacetruckin6555]

Current NS Blacksmith here, we'll keep the pension checks coming!

[@garykuipers2696]

@@spacetruckin6555 Thanks, now retired 11 years from the railroad, EL, CR, NJ Transit.😎🚂🚃🚃🚃✝

[@suzymiss9632]

God bless and comfort his family, I have cried about two peoples deaths, that I didn't know personally, Shoestring was one...I will see you in Heaven, thank you for the good times...♡

[@BlacqueJacqueShellacque_]

RIP Shoestring. He lived more than most people do.

[@sonicimperium]

Yeah, lived out of a bucket and at 53 looking like he was 103. The guy needed help from all these so-called friends.

[@bustinnutsinslutsbutts]

​@@sonicimperiumcool story shitbag

[@uuuultra]

He saw more than we will.

[@sonicimperium]

@@uuuultra Nah, there's dirty rail yards all over the place. Get off the couch and take a walk once in a while. 👍🏻

[@russelltackett4779]

@@sonicimperium At least he didn't live in his mothers basement like you

[@markschmalenberger8301]

I can't fathom anyone having a bad word about Mark. His contributions should live on in the spirit of human adventure,hardships, and pure love of life as a free spirit.

[@glennpiller9417]

He with out any doubt entertained and showed America something millions would never see. RIP Mark your work here is done.

[@sonicimperium]

Showing what? Dirty train yards?

[@glennpiller9417]

@@sonicimperium You wouldn't understand Skippy!

[@sonicimperium]

@@glennpiller9417 Right, living out of a bucket at 53 but looking like 103 and wandering into a lake is easy to understand. Real freedom right there. Romantic, too.

[@eltinygarcia7358]

@@sonicimperium wow,really bra???

[@rdred8693]

@@eltinygarcia7358 He's trying to get a rise out of you. Just ignore. They are a sucker to think what matters is your looks, and if you "live out of a bucket or not". Materialistic nonsense.

[@davidwiggings6951]

R.I.P Shoestring…Hobo Legend forevermore!!!Thanks for taking us along for the ride Shoestring!!!!

[@rickcooper6817]

I don't think anyone had a bigger heart than Mark "Hobo Shoestring". He was the King of the Rail and won many of our hearts during the years. Most of us will never have the opportunity to travel and see the things he showed his us. Thanks, SRF for doing these updates, God bless you, we all realize how difficult this was.

[@thomasbattis9574]

I began watching Strobe for about 3 years until he passed, and then I discovered Shoestring. Boy, those two could read a rail like nobody else. He was so loved, even workers would sneak him into the engines in the winter where he could keep warm. He lived the dream!!!

[@user-if6mk4rh1j]

He always made me laugh going into tunnels calling here kitty kitty!!!!!!

[@johnscherf1228]

That was a classic!

[@CRwonderer]

​@johnscherf1228 Did you hear him sing brother jukebox while he walked through a tunnel, it's amazing.

[@johnscherf1228]

@@CRwonderer Yup!

[@user-if6mk4rh1j]

I'm going to miss him so much watching his videos got me through a stroke and losing a kidney when I was in bed recovering!! I was going up Saturday with my kayak but now I want to go to his funeral.

[@Rocknranchman]

Every time I get stuck at a train crossing I’m looking in those cars for Shoestring! He was a great teacher of trains and I learned much from him! Thanks Shoestring! RIP Brother of the rail! ❤🙏

[@BoxcarJerry]

Clear signals my friend , RIP HoboShoeString. Thanks for all the updates Southern RailFan

[@lionelbaxter1785]

From Australia. I have followed Hobo Shoestrings videos for quite some time. Will miss them.

[@drewg2591]

I've only known of shoestring for the past year and some odd months, but he truly meant a lot to me. For one, I only live a couple of hours away from Johnson City so I sort of held him as a local celeb. I loved his personality and videos to begin with. In May of last year I contracted the fungal pneumonia Blastomycosis. I was on life support for a month in Lexington KY. I woke up around the first of July. I could hardly move any muscle, couldn't talk, and was having a rough time. I wasn't released until October. The one thing that kept me sane was watching through all of Hobo Shoestrings videos. I watched very many hours for a lot of my days laying in bed hooked up to the vent. I never had a chance to tell Mark how much he helped me during those times and now I'm so aggravated with myself. I know he really loved his fans, but I think he would have felt great knowing he helped someone in that scenario. He's riding into the promised land now alongside Stobe, free of all his sickness and ailments. Love you brother, you were truly one of a kind.

[@terrymcgee3504]

I confess: I lived vicariously through Shoestring. I lost my brother a year ago, and I weep for him in the same way now. I never had the guts or temerity to do what Shoestring did. He is A#1.

[@krazi77]

he's the real Emperor of the North! king of the road! he will be missed dearly

[@aone6540]

YES. Shoestring will be missed!

[@terrymcgee3504]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4W1pZ2DpdmdapY

[@randomchaos5139]

I feel the same way, I felt like I was riding with him just from watching his videos. I only ridden a few times with others, would've been a honor to ride with Shoestring.

[@thomasharhen2168]

R.I.P. HOBO SHOESTRING!! YOUR TRAIN VIDEOS WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!! MY 13 YEAR OLD NEPHEW LOVED YOU!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@BigKevsPlace1]

Thank you Southern Railfan for all you did during this time. I’m sure you are having a difficult time. Mark “Hobo Shoestring” Nichols was a a very entertaining KZbinr. I wouldn’t even give the negative Nancy’s any time on your channel-they are not worth your breath. Thanks again and God Bless.

[@daveinvictoriavirginia7959]

Shoestring brought me even closer to trains and rail fans alike. He was always the gentleman, respectful to all , he rode the rail so I could feel the ride with him in spirit. Please keep the rest of us up to date of any services or requests from the family. Thank you Shoestring for taking us along in your journey in life.

[@murrayadam8576]

Thank you for your efforts to find Mark. May he Rest In Peace.

[@Joe30101]

M.G.NOOOO. The older I get the deeper this stuff hurts me. I learned so much about railroading from him. A lot of times I would wait tell night to listen to one of his travels. The sound of the clackity clack of the wheels on the track would put me to sleep. Night all and safe travels.

[@williamdejeffrio9701]

In my experience, no one matched Mark in his presentation of the hobo lifestyle. His broad knowledge of trains, travel, locations, geography, nature, camping, etc, all presented in the candid, funny, informative, disarming manner that typified his work kept me spellbound. For all us that fantasized about the potential freedom and adventure of this lifestyle, Mark provided something that we could share vicariously. Mark's passing has affected me with a a strong sense of loss and sadness. RIP Mark and I'd like to express my sincere condolences to his family, friends and fellow fans.

[@weirdscience1]

Well said. Here, here!

[@Blackwater_Jack]

Thank you for all of your updates. I feel like I lost a brother. RIP Hobo Shoestring!!!.

[@ManicMiner2]

God bless Shoestring. He's riding that Cadillac grainer to the promised land. RIP. Thanks for all you did to bring attention to the situation SRF.

[@MacnigMacgregor-jr3yu]

Yes he is. .never met him but why am I 😢 roll on with the sounds of your passion mark

[@DougCeleste]

What a LOVELY tribute and thanks for sharing your touching thoughts about Mark. I was VERY saddened to hear the news of his passing tonight. I never met him but through his videos, I felt like we were BEST FRIENDS and train fans! Over the years, he even responded to several of my KZbin posts which really pleased me. He will live on in our hearts and will be spiritually with us every day. He is resting at peace now and will NEVER suffer again. I just hope his KZbin channel will not be taken down by the family since all of us train and "Shoestring" fans LOVE his videos and adventures. Thanks for the memories, Mark, and we will see you again someday. 😢🙏

[@markbaker8607]

I am in Ecuador and the day I found out that Mark was missing I showed my Ecuadorian friend one of his videos. There is hardly a rail system at all in Ecuador, so my friend pulled the phone back to see more. My friend had so many questions and true admiration especially for his little secret places for a small fire and a place to sleep. My friend had only seen old black and white movies that gave a very generalized view of what a "Hobo" was in the United States, so Mark still will be similar to a movie star to her. Mark was the real deal.

[@RebekahCurielAlessi]

🌟

[@321spirit]

Thank you for loving Hobo Shoe String as much as us ( ME). Blessings ❤️

[@xmavrick]

I am sorry things ended this way, but Marks videos were some of the best on riding the rails on KZbin. I retired back in 2020 from the NS as a car inspector but every day I looked for Hobo Shoestring tags on rail cars. R.I.P Hobo Shoestring and may god bless all your friends for their efforts to find you!

[@Alan302-05]

RIP. God keep Mark's family in your love. Hobo is no longer in pain, Only we hurt in our hearts for his passing. God Bless Mark "Hobo Shoestring" Nichols. You will be forever missed. Amen

[@gsowm]

Thank you for the work on this case... As a homicide detective retired , ill say police cant do every thing at once... missing persons cases have to be worked in a systematic manner.... it never made any difference as to the persons background we all ways work the cases as need and as the evidence led us....

[@roadrailmediagroup]

Appreciated the updates. Love the authenticity and unvarnished realism of ole Shoestring.

[@jerrychance2791]

Rip Hoboshoestring 🙏 you'll be missed by all..I always enjoyed watching his videos...I would like to have a boxcar painted with a picture mark on it as a memory to a great man who loved trains...thanks for keeping us updated

[@MissEllieEm]

I LOVE this...

[@uuuultra]

illegally painted?

[@OSUfan757]

@@uuuultra Grow up dude...

[@cleekmaker00]

@@OSUfan757 He's just another little troll wandering through Shoestring's videos and leaving snide comments under the guise of 'sympathy'.

[@greghintz-nk8mj]

Thank you for keeping us updated. I’m sure going to miss Shoestring’s videos. RIP Mark…thank you for sharing your journeys with us.

[@sbishop4931]

Your heartfelt expression of feelings for Shoestring is appreciated by many many of us - thank you

[@HoosierPete69.]

Thank you for being a good friend to Shoestring, you and a few others did everything you could to find him. I for one will miss him and I will ride a train this summer in his honor. It's been on my bucket list for a while.

[@adamreynolds2632]

I always liked to watch his videos late at night when I couldn't sleep. Always something about the peace of a simple life. RIP my friend.

[@Sunflowerdaz747]

Thank you for keeping us informed. As a fellow Veteran and Tennesseean and living in Johnson City TN I came to know and love Hobo Shoestring on KZbin and I thoroughly enjoyed him his style and character and down to earth personality. I would chat with him and he would reply with a heart or he would write me something. What a great man. He’s in Gods hands now. Like I told him on many occasions I hope to meet you someday Hobo and I will now see you in Heaven when I get there one day the Lord willing. ❤

[@PSthefirst1]

My heart is broken. I’m so sorry to hear this. Rest in Paradise brother Shoestring. We all loved you.

[@bowslap]

I appreciate you updating us as to his fate…..May he truly rest in peace, and know no more troubles.

[@johnstone6047]

He did what most of us are too afraid to do. RIP

[@Hagfan789]

IDK about that...Maybe the camping out in the woods & seeing the sights part... But as far as risking life & limb (literally) while getting beat up , bounced around & deafened...possibly incarcerated for riding the back of an unforgiving metal beast was purely for entertainment purposes for me at least. I've watched every one of his videos several times over & enjoyed them all. But I was fully content enjoying the rail experience from the comfort of my easy chair. Rest easy Mark/Shoestring...Thanks for the gift of entertainment.

[@kens.3729]

Thank you for the Updates about Shoestring. It’s Heartbreaking Lake wasn’t Searched Sooner for Family and Friends. GOD Bless Mark, Family and Friends👍🙏

[@garysprandel1817]

Caught out on that rattler bound for Glory. Been subscribed to Shoestring for years and looked forward to each new adventure my fellow crusty ol dude brought us along on. Always kept an eye on those Cadillac grainers hoping to maybe catch sight of ol Shoestring cruising by on his way to whatever adventure he was on. Godspeed my friend and thanks for bring us along on those adventures.

[@hamiltonsullivan6563]

May he rest in peace... now he's hopped a train highballing to heaven! Rest easy king

[@creambob1]

No flat spots on the wheels of your car to the beyond. R.I.P. Shoestring.😭

[@b.abrackus6403]

You done Shoestring proud❤ ... Thanks for the update!

[@georgiagirl3903]

RIP Hobo Shoestring ❤️ I hope your final resting place is close enough for you to hear the train ❤️

[@reese9030]

Wow that’s a beautiful.

[@whitetailfox1]

He will be missed, I loved watching his adventures and he seemed like a great guy with a warm personality. Thank you for the update I've been thinking about him the last few days.

[@jeffreyaumand6447]

Thanks for doing this video and others! Obviously I never met Mark (Hobo Shoestring) Would have liked to. I got to admit way back, when I first saw him riding the rails I didn't care for it. It was trespassing unsafe and just not right. However that all changed real quick. I am a locomotive engineer (ret.) and went against everything we as railroad crews stood for. But it wasn't long I wished I was still running trains, because I would have been honored to have him ride my trains at anytime. He was inspiring, knowledgeable seemed very friendly. I am not a so called railfan but a railroad man who hired out at a young age on the Boston and Maine. My grandfather and dad had both worked on the B&M. Anyway Mark will be missed. Enjoyed his videos and stories and his adventures. He was awesome! A GREAT man... condolences to his family and all who knew him and his friends. High green Shoestring and thank you for the inspiration and memories...

[@StrangeScaryNewEngland]

Mainer here, formerly New Hampshire.

[@GeorgeDean111099]

Thanks for your hard work and dedication to help. Please make sure his family knows about the VA reimbursement of most of any funeral expenses. This was something that I would have liked to have known about for my Father.❤

[@DevilTravels]

The Legend Of Hobo Shoestring will be a song that keeps his memory alive

[@mattygates1]

Thank you for all your hard work and that of the police, fire and rescue and volunteers in searching for Shoestring. This is what makes America the still great country it is.

[@ourlifeinwyoming4654]

Thanks for your positive message. God bless you and your family.

[@CaptainBuzzBee]

Hobo Shoestring off to The Big Rock Candy Mountain. Thanks for the update.

[@cleckler2935]

I loved the man but never met him. I hope he rest easy and is riding off into paradise. I’m so glad we have his videos to go back to.

[@grybeard1]

I want to thank you and your wife for everything you did during this sad time to keep us informed. Yours was the 1st video I watched that discussed Hobo Shoestrings disappearance. I watched your updates every night. Tonight was heart breaking. I am glad I heard it from you first. I don't know what else to say. I have never hurt for the loss of someone that I never met. I am very sorry for your loss too. Grybeard

[@richarddaly5368]

RIP Hobo Shoestring. Thank you for what you gave to ud through your channel. May the angels greet you and lead you.

[@thornwarbler]

You are a decent and honourable man. Thanks for your considered and gentle updates. Best wishes to you. RIP to that old vagabond of the rails shoestring. Rest easy mate. From an English fan of your antics.

[@Huskiedrive361]

Thank you SRF for all your efforts. RIP Shoestring, you opened a whole new world to us.

[@DanKuches]

Thank you for the kind words and all you did with your channel and personally. God Bless you, and may Hobo Shoestring Rest In Peace.

[@user-fm2ib8wz8b]

R.I.P Hobo shoestring. You will always be my favorite hobo.😢

[@eugenesargent9761]

THANKS for the updates, I never met Hobo SS But I still called him my friend. I followed him for a long long time. Thanks nevernmet

[@Johnny35130]

Thank you for the update, I'm sad and will miss him. But my vocabulary expanded a good bit watching him. I learned "Junk Train, Cadillac grainer, Freddie,. IM, DPU, etc" and can never be irritated by sitting at a RR crossing again. His friends and relatives are in our prayers.

[@MissEllieEm]

I know right? Me too!

[@maggieward1892]

Me too! There are daily trains here. I’m always looking at the grainers when see a train. Nope, no Cadillacs on that one. They’re all open not even sides. Can’t ride that one.

[@noelbowerman1562]

Im in Australia 🇦🇺 ,I want to say ,what a blessing mark has been to this world. Hes brought so much comfort to so many . His videos were insightful, his rail knowledge ,fascinating. Rest easy Mark ,youll be missed.❤❤

[@89firebird]

It was definitely a great teacher in educator on the railroads rest in peace shoestring

[@DanEBoyd]

He was the best!

[@maggieward1892]

I wondered often if he felt a desire to share all that learning type info because he knew he might not be able to ride a lot longer. And to educate others who rode or might ride of dangers and how to optimize their rides. And not get as easily caught. Keeping the lifestyle alive. He surely accomplished that!! Altho I’m certainly not capable of it think I just might know enough to do it if ever had to. Even know a catch out when see it!!

[@Pistolpete147]

Oh man this is not what I wanted to hear… but I had a strong feeling he wasn’t gonna be found alive, it’s been way too long. Thank you for this update SRF I appreciate all you have done, and I pray for the peace and comfort of the Lord to be with marks family and loved ones. I started watching shoestrings videos about the time Stobe the hobo passed away!

[@Steve-ru9gi]

RIP shoestring 🙏. And I want to thank you for the updates. God bless you and your family. Mark was very fortunate to have such a good friend and to live the life he wanted. There's a lesson there for all of us!

[@dmorgan28]

Thank you for the update. I felt this was coming but did not accept it. After you announced it I just sat here and cried. We sure are going to miss him. But we have hope to see him again. I’ve really enjoyed all his travels and his upbeat personality. He really was a great guy! Take care!👍❤️🙏

[@dynodon9182]

He was of the rare genuine channels on KZbin.

[@louislaporte1466]

Thank you for keeping us updated, and for caring enough to organize a search. We are going miss Shoestring. He was one of a kind, and he connected with so many people through his videos. RIP Shoestring.

[@badzbradzgoodyz6477]

Thanks for the update. I'm sorry to hear the news. May God bless.

[@corncobb7069]

THANK YOU For This Video, I Rebuilt LOCOS 34 Year's of MY 72 Year's. I Started Watching Shoe String Video's A Few Month's Back and JUST Say He PASSED, BROKE MY HEART, He Showed ME Stuff ON Railroading I NEVER KNEW, But I Was Always In the SHOP, He Was ALL Over the Railroad System. THANK YOU SIR, And SHOESTRING.

[@MrShack2011]

True sense of freedom. Beautiful put. I'm gonna miss him.

[@AcesDman7]

Whoever shows up just have a eulogy for a beloved friend. God Bless. 😮

[@cheaplaughkennedy2318]

So very sad , God Bless you Mark , you will be missed and remembered. 🙏❤️

[@dougstork7317]

I watched Hobo for a couple of years and loved every video. I learned more about the train industry by watching him take a break and explain something about the cars, tracks, roadside equipment or whatever he saw. He was a true free spirit and will be really missed. Thank you for caring and going through the effort to set up the search, even though you didn't have to actually go down there. You have a good heart.

[@robertmullen2083]

God bless Mark "Hobo Shoestring" Nichols. May he rest in peace. I loved watching his videos and learning about the life of the rails from him. Fascinating individual who touched more people than he can ever know. Thank you for keeping us up-to-date SouthernRailFan - you are a good man.

[@Rodderick45]

I want to thank you for this update on my friend Shoe string. I will try to be brief but will not be easy as Hobo was like a mentor to me even though I was just another subscriber who one day wished to have had the opportunity to have met him. I want to send my condolences out to Mark's MOM and Dad whom he spoke about from time to time as well as his siblings. I am still in shock about this tragic news and could only sit starring at the wall hoping that somehow this could not be true. A little introduction about myself perhaps explains the bond I feel with Shoestring. I was born and raised in the small town of Hope, Arkansas one state over from the state of Tennessee and after 16 years relocated to Texarkana, Texas where I lived with my grandfather. Many of the scenery that Shoestring experienced, I experienced. Playing in the woods, building treehouses, fishing within walking distance in nearby ponds and lakes and most of all watching the big locomotive mile long trains pass within two blocks of the house was my childhood experience. Placing a penny on the rails of oncoming trains to see how the wheels would flatten it brought back memories when I saw Shoe string do this. Upon graduating from high School, I served in the military 7 years "U.S Air Force" and Shoe string as he stated served with the "U.S. Army" for a short while. I am now retired after 17 years being employed with the county of Los Angeles as a "Light Rail Electrical Mechanic" maintaining Rail cars. This is what really bonded me with Shoestring. I had never worked on Diesel Electric Locomotives other than Diesel Engines in powerplants worldwide for the "Air Force". I knew by the detail knowledge of Diesel Locomotives and associated accessories such as train signals, tracks and etc. that he shared that he was not highly intelligent but a very smart man in many aspects and had an indebt knowledge just about everything. I found his you tube videos about two years ago and loved and enjoyed them all. I am some years older than Shoestring but I am now retired residing in the Philippine Islands with my Philippine born wife. I will miss Shoestring greatly as I am sure many of his other subscribers will. With a heavy heart I salute a great man as he suffers no longer from his chronic medical challenges and my friend we will meet soon. Love you man and you will be missed and always remembered!!!!!!!

[@Jumpingoffthecliff]

Thanks again Kyle your efforts are greatly appreciated.

[@user-pi6ws8ws5m]

I learned so much about the Railroad from Old Shoestring, very interesting and his Adventures were the Best .RIP Hobo

[@ruthe.langley4013]

Thank you for everything you've done to find Hobo Shoestring. He was one of a kind, and will surely be missed. RIP Shoestring

[@danfarris135]

Honorable words spoken. Thank you again for looking out for Mark. I first discovered his videos just prior to Covid and found them to be so entertaining. He will be dearly missed.

[@richardwest9054]

I am new to Hobo Shoestring's videos, and am saddened to hear of his demise. I prayed for his safe return, but we are all in God's hands. It was an honor to become aware of this unique being, and to share some of his adventures, through his videos.

[@bruceperkins6844]

Thank you sir for your updates and comments. Hobo Shoestring was amazing. RIP Mark!

[@jenniferhammond8997]

Thank you for standing up for shoestring! As he is no longer here to defend himself 😞

[@jerrygibbs747]

Really going to miss Mark's videos. RIP Mark. Thank you SouthernRailFan for keeping us updated..

[@robertdaniels9023]

I've been watching Hobo Shoestring for roughly a year or two. Loved his riding the rails. Even though I don't drink anymore, I'll have a drink for him tonight.

[@mightymouseofnyc]

Humanity. That's the first word that comes to mind. I didn't know Hobo Shoestring and was surprised because I live in TN and never heard about his disappearance. Then, I was warmed by all those who were sharing he was missing and prayed for him to be found. Then, I found his KZbin page and all the beautiful comments surrounding this man. This situation reminded all of us the beauty of caring for one another. My thoughts go out to his family, who during this time, grief has certainly met them. May you rest in peace Hobo Shoestring. You have reminded all of us what living and caring for each other truly mean.

[@markevan1]

Thank you for keeping us informed. It was good to have a calm voice in all the chatter. You did well.

[@RebekahCurielAlessi]

So true that "life is too short to be negative"!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@russellshackleford9335]

Rest in peace, Shoestring. Loved his videos and even as a casual train-watcher with my clients (I work with people with intellectual disabilities....some of them love to watch trains!) so I don't do it often for long times even though I do love trains, I was always watching hoping I'd see him!

[@briandoyle6188]

I remember his channel being silent and uploads what 4/5 minutes and then into what it became was fantastic and every shoestring fan was pleased for him....i remember thinking I'd love him to be brave enough to start talking commenting because coming from the UK i knew i was going to hear an amazing accent and when he did it was an Amazing accent real HOBO...his uploads never really showed the hardships he went through to film and for his own health but we could all imagine how cold it would of been at times travelling even in a Cadillac and he showed me someone whose never been to America just how beautiful and diverse a country it is with some iconic sceneries whilst hopping a train....tears have flowed and its time for me to watch all of Mr SHOESTRINGs uploads over,over.....Ride The Rails in heaven Buddy,🚂🚂🚂⚒️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿....

[@ShooterMcNut]

Something about that lake gave me chills when he was around it. KZbin just won't be the same without him. RIP Shoestring. Thank you for the update and my sincerest condolences.

[@kjscoop7025]

I have watched every one of Mark's videos except the last two. I made comments in his videos when i was going through hard times and his reply was kind and brief and I was so happy to see he responded to me.I had a bad feeling about the lake, I watched the news report a little bit ago. I will miss you Mark you helped me more than you will know. You are on God's freight train now my friend. Watching his last 2 videos will be very tough and it may take me a while before i finish them. Hopefully his channel will stay up. Also thank you SouthernRailFan for keeping us updated and I am a new fan of your channel.

[@lindaanderson7970]

Just want to thank you for all you did to help find Shoestring. He will be missed more than words can express - I always enjoyed & looked forward to his videos. My condolences to you, his family, and all the rail riders and fans out there. 😢🙏

[@davidchristensen6908]

I ran across Shoestring on KZbin. I have been an observer of rail riders like Shoestring. My prayers go out to all rail fan that knew this man. I agree get back to making rail video. Let’s all go watch his videos and thumbs up them again. I found his post during covid and his videos helped get through that time. Keep smiling

[@shawnpowell5876]

Great video my friend and its a sad day all over the country. I too had been watching him for the last 5years. The man made great videos and was very knowledgeable abt trains etc. A couple years ago i sent him a couple boxcars with a hobo figure sitting at the opening of the door. I can tell this will affect a lot of railroad employees that knew him and let him climb the DPU for a warm and cozy ride. I've sat here and cried a few times and asked God to keep him close and to watch over his family to give them peace and comfort through this tough time. We love you Mark and until we meet again! #OURHEROSHOESTRING

[@firstover]

I became a fan of Hobo Shoestring after I started watching virtual railfan and then found his videos. They are fantastic , makes you feel like you are along with him. I am in Henderson, NV. and there is a Union Pacific track near by , Ill go to the track and wait for one to come by in Honor of Mr. Nichols.

[@erikmcc804]

O m g may God rest his soul 😢 thank you for the catches Hobo shoestrings aka Mark 😢

[@nancydinkins8768]

Long-time fans. We appreciate the updates. Rest in peace Mark. Thanks for sharing, and thanks for the memories. God bless and be with all of your family.

[@gearshift7176]

Sir I thank you from the bottom of my heart, praying for the Family. Stay Safe

[@backroads82]

Mark made a video called Things I am thankful for. I watched it this evening and it was so fitting for today. He reflected on his life and how grateful he was to be where he was in life and grateful for the people that helped him so much. Was a good video. Also thank you for all you done during this time and for keeping everyone informed. Much appreciated. Hobo Shoestring.....May he rest in peace and may his memories live forever.......