Community Rallies Around Hit-And-Run Fanwood Woman

FANWOOD, NJ — Meghan Crilly of Fanwood is known for her "beautiful spirit and a smile that brightens up any room she walks into."

Family and loved ones speak of her "bubbly personality and strong passion for life." She is a "strong minded young woman, who has a way of never letting anything or anyone get her down," according to a GoFundMe site set up in her name.

Now the 35-year-old second grade Mountainside teacher is clinging to life following a tragic hit-and-run in Linden early Sunday morning.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Ms. Crilly and her family as we learn more about her condition and her recovery," Mountainside Superintendent Dr. Nancy Lubarsky said in a letter to parents.

Crilly was crossing N. Wood Avenue in the area of St. George Avenue in Linden just before 2 a.m. on Jan. 20 when a vehicle hit her and fled from the scene. The vehicle has been identified as a red 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee, possibly with tinted windows and a sunroof. (See Related: Video Shows Jeep Wanted In Hit-And-Run Of Fanwood Woman)

Crilly remains in critical condition at Newark University Hospital where she has already undergone multiple surgeries, and currently is in a coma, according Dakota Osmun who set up the GoFundMe site.

"She has spinal damage, a broken pelvis, a broken ankle, and a broken tibia. Meghan's spleen was also removed, her liver was lacerated, and she has internal bleeding. Although her organs are functioning, her road to recovery is uncertain. The doctors have been working relentlessly on her, and her family is taking it one hour at a time," Osmun said.

Crilly loves her job as an elementary school teacher at Beechwood School in Mountainside and is known for pushing her students to be the best versions of themselves. She was also due to accept an award in appreciation of her work.

Crilly also loves spending time with family, friends and Husky named Louie. She also loves to exercise and travel.

"Meghan is a determined person, who always went for what she wanted and succeeded. She has her whole life ahead of her, and we hope and pray she will use her strong will to pull through this," according to the GoFundMe site.

The site was set up on Wednesday and has already raised $25,000 of the $35,000 goal. Funds received will be used to alleviate the financial strain brought on by Crilly's treatments.

For more information or to donate click here.

In Mountainside, second grade teachers at Beechwood School have spoken with all of the students about Crilly explaining to students that she has doctors and needs her rest to recover, Lubarsky wrote.

The teachers are also giving the students opportunities to write get-well letters that will be sent to Crilly. School counselors are available in both schools in case students are upset and need to talk.

• See Related: Fanwood Pedestrian Hit By Car, Hospitalized

(Image via GoFundMe, a promotional partner of Patch: Meghan Crilly)

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