Employee Found Dead At Union City School; Community Mourns

HUDSON COUNTY, NJ — A well-respected district employee was found dead at Union City High School on Wednesday, authorities said.

A Union City spokesperson told Patch that the employee, Maura Diaz, 58, was found unconscious on school property shortly after 11 a.m.

Emergency responders arrived at the high school shortly afterwards. Diaz was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Her death has been deemed non-suspicious, authorities said.

Diaz was employed with the Union City Board of Education for more than 20 years. She was working at Union City High School as a security guard at the time of her death, authorities said.

Mayor Brian Stack said Diaz’s passing was a tragedy.

“I have known Ms. Diaz and her family for over 20 years,” Stack said. “She is a dear friend and I am deeply saddened to learn of her passing. Union City is a tight-knit community and when one of us is in pain, we all feel it. As we enter a new school year, this is a jarring reminder to take care and comfort each other.”

Union City School Superintendent Silvia Abbato called Diaz a “wonderful employee” and said her absence will be felt by the entire community.

“Our hearts are heavy today as we try to make sense of this loss,” Abbato said.

Counselors will be available for any students or staff during this difficult time, Abbato added.

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