Crossing guard struck and killed in 3-vehicle crash in Simi Valley
(FOX 11) - A crossing guard who dedicated years of service to the Simi Valley community was killed at a busy intersection Tuesday afternoon.
The 62 year-old was setting up to help children cross after school at Socrates and Los Angeles Avenues when three cars got into a wreck.
According to police, the crash caused a blue Chevy Cruz to jump the curb and hit the crossing guard who was standing on the sidewalk.
"We're looking for video footage, picture evidence or anything else that would help us in determining the cause," Sgt. Steve Shorts, Simi Valley Police Department, said.
This is the second crossing guard hit in Simi Valley this school year.
In October, Robert Bellinger, 57, was credited with pushing a pedestrian out of the way of an oncoming car.
He survived and it still recovering.
The victim in Tuesday's accident was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Neighbors were shocked to hear about her death.
She had just retired and was filling in for a colleague at her old corner when the vehicle struck her.
"The guy crossing guard who is normally here had CPR training today so she was filling in for him because he couldn't make it," middle schooler, Mackenzie Snell, said.
Snell had passed the guard on her way to school Tuesday morning and noticed she was in the holiday spirit with a big bow tied to her stop sign.
"She said happy holidays looking forward to the holidays," Snell said.
The crossing guard was well known in the neighborhood.
She proudly drove a bright red Camaro and dedicated her retirement to caring for her special needs son, according to friends.
"She was just wonderful and she has a handicap son and she took care of him," friend, Jennifer Newcomb, said. "She wanted a red Camaro her entire life and she finally got her dream car and was happy as can be."
Since the accident happened before the end of the school day children were not present at the time, however grief counselors will be at nearby schools on Wednesday for the students.