Woodland Park crossing guard, 80, struck and killed while helping kids cross the street
WOODLAND PARK, New Jersey (WABC) -- A Woodland Park crossing guard was struck and killed by a vehicle on Monday afternoon after helping two students cross the street.
It happened at McBride and Lackawanna avenues just after 3:30 p.m.
Witnesses 80-year-old Jean Schultz pushed the students out of the way from an oncoming vehicle to save their lives.
She was taken to the hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Schultz worked for the Woodland Park School District for years and served with care, dedication and kindness.
Her next-door neighbor said she loved being a crossing guard.
"I'm 85 and I don't wanna even be alive anymore, she was my best friend in the world... I helped her out, she helped me out," Dave Holster said. "She brought me food. I cut her grass, I cleaned up her leaves. She did so much for me. We went for breakfast every Thursday morning."
Mayor Tracy Kallert released a statement that said Schultz will never be forgotten.
"She was more than a crossing guard-she was a bright and reassuring presence for generations of children and families," Kallert said. "Jean was a kind and gentle soul who lit up every time she saw the kids coming, greeting them with a smile and ensuring their safety each and every day. Her compassion, warmth, and genuine love for the children of Woodland Park left a lasting impact that will never be forgotten."
The two students were also taken to the hospital and will be OK. They were not hit by the vehicle but suffered minor injuries when they fell to the ground.
The driver of the vehicle remained on the scene.
The Passaic County Prosecutor's Office asks anyone with additional information to contact them at 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org.
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