Hit-And-Run Victim Credits Fellow NJ Student Patroller For Saving Her Life

BELLMAWR, NJ — Audrina Kelly, 9, was helping other students get to school safely when a truck driver hit her on a Bellmawr street on October 5.

Another school safety patroller, 9-year-old Aria King, saw the truck coming and yelled Kelly's name. Kelly just avoided being hit head-on by the vehicle as it turned off Black Horse Pike that morning.

AAA South Jersey recognized both girls for their bravery as School Safety Patrollers on Tuesday at a packed Bellmawr Public School District board of education meeting. Kelly and King are part of the AAA School Safety Patrol team at Ethel M. Burke Elementary School, and help protect their classmates going to and from school.

Kelly credits King with saving her life, giving her enough warning to turn away from a direct impact, said AAA South Jersey. Read more — Hit-And-Run Driver Turns Self In After Striking Child: Bellmawr Police

King remembers trying to put her poncho in her backpack, then turning around and seeing Kelly in danger.

"I went to the school as quick as I can and I got everyone who was at the office,” said King in a quote provided by AAA.

Kelly suffered a concussion and leg injuries. She wanted to make sure King was honored for her quick action, AAA South Jersey said.

AAA South Jersey CEO presented Kelly and King with a gift basket full of school safety patrol gear, and surprise check for $1,500 at a ceremony during the school board meeting at Bell Oaks Elementary School. Bellmawr Public School District Superintendent Danielle Sochor and Bellmawr Police Chief William Walsh were also in attendance.

Both will be considered for the national AAA School Safety Patrol Lifesaving Award, a news release said.

An Egg Harbor Township man turned himself in to police in connection with the crash after seeing his vehicle on the news, police said.