Student Driver Fatally Strikes NJ School Superintendent Jogging With His Dog
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (CBS) – All Robbinsville district schools will be closed today and tomorrow after Superintendent of Schools Dr. Steven J. Mayer was killed in what officials are calling "a tragic accident."
Police confirm that a vehicle, driven by a 17-year-old high school student on her way to school, struck and killed Mayer while he was jogging near his home on Robbinsville-Edinburg Road Tuesday morning.
Authorities say the student was heading to school early to go on a class trip.
Mayer's dog also died as a result of the accident. Officials say it was routine for him to run with his dog every morning.
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Kathie Foster says, "I'm sure the students are grieving like all of us. You hear about 'open door policy,' his door was always open in his office. I could come back from traveling to different schools and see four different students in his office, just chatting and seeking advice. He always had time for each person. That's Steve."
All schools in Robbinsville district will be closed the next two days, officials say, along with all after school activities.
Grief counseling will be made available for students and community members, and a candlelight vigil is scheduled for 7 p.m. tonight.
Officials say flowers can be placed at the gazebo at Foxmoor Community Park on Washington Boulevard in Dr. Mayer's memory.
Police say the accident remains under investigation.
