N.J. teen's car hits and kills superintendent
A Central New Jersey school superintendent was out for a run with his dog when he was struck and killed by a student's car early Tuesday, prompting all schools in the Mercer County district to close.
A Central New Jersey school superintendent was out for a run with his dog when he was struck and killed by a student's car early Tuesday, prompting all schools in the Mercer County district to close.
Robbinsville Superintendent Steven Mayer, 52, was running around 6:15 a.m. when he was hit on Robbinsville-Edinburg Road near his home, authorities said.
Acting Police Chief Chris Nitti said a 17-year-old Robbinsville High School student was driving the vehicle that struck Mayer.
Nitti, at a news conference at the Robbinsville Township Police Department, said no charges had been filed and no summonses issued Tuesday. The student's name was not released.
Township Mayor David Fried said at the news conference that there are "two families involved in this tragedy. This is heartbreaking for all of us."
Mayer and his wife, Donna, a teacher in the district, have three sons.
Township sources said the student was rushing to get to school for a class trip when she struck Mayer and his dog, which also died. The student was taken to a crisis center after the accident; the trip to New York City was canceled.
Fried called Mayer "beloved" and a "ball of energy."
"He was full of life," Fried said, adding that Mayer was also a coach.
Fried said he texted Mayer when he first heard of the crash involving a student to see how to handle the situation. That was before Fried learned that Mayer was the victim.
Mayer was hired as superintendent in July 2009. Previously, he served as a principal in the West Windsor-Plainsboro School District.
The police department and the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office are investigating.
All Robbinsville schools were closed Tuesday and were to remain closed Wednesday. After-school activities also were canceled.
"With a heavy heart, we share with you devastating news that our beloved Dr. Steven Mayer, superintendent of schools, passed away this morning from a tragic accident," the district posted on its website.
A candlelight vigil was scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday at the town's park gazebo. A township Facebook statement said flowers could be placed in Mayer's memory at the gazebo, at Foxmoor Community Park on Washington Boulevard.
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