Thoughts, Prayers For West Orange Teacher Critically Hurt By Car

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The West Orange school community was keeping Patricia Villarosa in their thoughts on Tuesday, and praying for her, too.

The West Orange elementary school teacher was critically hurt by a car while crossing the street near the local high school on Monday night. She remained hospitalized on Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.

Villarosa, 64, of West Orange was struck by a car as she was trying to attend the Board of Education's meeting, according to school officials.

"The West Orange Board of Education wants to extend our thoughts and prayers to Ms. Patricia Villarosa, a teacher at Washington Elementary School," the district wrote on Facebook.

The Board of Education also asked the West Orange Community to "keep Ms. Villarosa and her family in their thoughts and prayers."

"We wish her a speedy recovery, and hope she is back to work soon," according to the district.

According to a GoFundMe campaign set up in Villarosa’s benefit, the teacher is a longtime West Orange resident and is “beloved” by her many students and her colleagues at school. The online fundraiser is collecting donations for “what is sure to be a lengthy period of healing and recovery.” (See the GoFundMe campaign here)

According to West Orange officials, a white, 2017 Kia driven by a 55-year-old West Orange man struck Villarosa as she crossed Pleasant Valley Way near West Orange High School.

On Tuesday, town officials said that Villarosa was hospitalized in “critical condition” at Rutgers University Hospital.

The driver of the Kia remained at the scene. The accident remains under investigation by the West Orange Police Department, authorities said.

West Orange Schools Superintendent Jeffrey Rutzky offered the following statement about Villarosa's injury on Tuesday:

"We are deeply saddened to know that one of our teachers, Ms. Patricia Villarosa from Washington Elementary School, is in critical condition after an accident last night as she was trying to attend the Board of Education meeting. Because the accident is an active investigation, I do not have many details to share. Counselors are working with Washington students and staff. A member of the community took quick action and started a GoFundme.com page. Please keep Ms. Villarosa and her family in your thoughts and prayers."

Keep updated with local public safety alerts at the Patch West Orange Facebook page.

Reporting by Tom Davis and Eric Kiefer

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Photo: Google Maps