Kindergarten Teacher Killed In 2-Car Crash In Gloucester: Cops

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ - The woman who was killed in an accident on Erial Road was a teacher in the school district for 20 years.

Michelle Barrett, 46, of the Blackwood section of the township, was killed in a two-car crash Tuesday night, according to the Gloucester Township Police Department. She was a kindergarten teacher at Chews Elementary School.

“Mrs. Barrett was a dedicated educator and a well-respected member of the Chews Elementary School staff,” Gloucester Township Superintendent of Schools John Bilodeau said. “She had devoted the last 20 years faithfully serving both students and their families at Chews Elementary.”

“Michelle was a wonderful teacher and her passion to teach was only matched by her passion for her students,” Gloucester Township Mayor David Mayer said. “She certainly left her mark on education and the lives of many here in Gloucester Township. We extend our deepest condolences to her family during this difficult time.”

Barrett was the driver of one of two cars that flipped over as the result of an accident on Erial Road at about 6:18 p.m. Tuesday night, Dec. 4, police said.

She was unconscious and had to be extricated from her car by firefighters, with the help of Gloucester Township EMS and Virtua Paramedics. She and two other people were taken to area hospitals, where Barrett died as a result of her injuries.

The passenger in her car was rescued from the wreck by firefighters from the Blackwood, Chews Landing and Lambs Terrace fire departments and taken to a local hospital to be treated for unknown injuries.

The driver of the other car was able to escape their car under their own power. Responding police officers found that driver in stable condition with a minor injury, according to the Gloucester Township Police Department.

On Wednesday, the school administration notified the entire staff of Barrett’s tragic passing, Bilodeau said. Grief counselors were available for staff throughout the day. Chews Elementary School Principal LaWayne Williams notified parents of Barrett’s untimely death.

“When the school day commenced, in testament to what I believe truly honored their colleague, the Chews faculty began to teach their students,” Bilodeau said. “As superintendent, I could not have been more proud or impressed by their professionalism given these circumstances. I would ask the entire Gloucester Township community to please keep the Barrett family in their prayers.”

On Wednesday evening, there were tributes to her from people who had her as a teacher in the past and those whose children had her as a teacher this year.

“I’m so sick and devastated of the loss of Michelle,” one person posted on Barrett’s Facebook page. “Both my boys had her, she was a great teacher and sweet person.”

“She was the best .. my son had her years ago ... beautiful person,” another wrote.

“So saddened to here this tragic news,” another wrote. “Michelle was a gentle soul and such a kind person. My thoughts and prayers go out to her daughters and family.”

The accident remains under investigation. Anyone who saw the crash or has any information about it is asked to contact the Gloucester Township Police Department at 856-228-4500 or the GTPD Anonymous Tip Line at 856-842-5560.

To send an anonymous tip via text message to GTPD, text the keyword "TIPGLOTWPPD" and your tip message to 888777. You may also click here to leave an anonymous tip: https//local.nixle.com/tip/alert/5170177.

Read more here: 1 Killed In 2-Car Crash In Gloucester Township: Police

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