Chews Elementary teacher killed in Camden County crash

GLOUCESTER TWP., N.J. (WPVI) -- Faculty and students are mourning the loss of a Camden County teacher who was killed in a car accident on Tuesday night.

Michelle Barrett, 46, was a married mother of two, and a kindergarten-teacher at Chews Elementary in Gloucester Township for twenty years.

She was always positive, always involved, whether in cheer committees or helping her students.

Police say her vehicle was involved in a crash at Erial and Douglas roads around 6:20 p.m. Tuesday.

Barrett was driving one of the two vehicles involved with her daughter. The other driver and Barrett's daughter survived.

All three were taken to the hospital, but Barrett succumbed to her injuries.

Staff members were informed yesterday. Then parents were notified through the messaging system so they could tell their children.

"We wanted the parents to have the first opportunity to speak to their children about something as traumatic as a loss of their teacher," said Superintendent of schools John Bilodeau.

Grief counselors have been brought in for the staff and students. Mayor David Mayer released a statement reading in part, "Michelle was a wonderful teacher and her passion to teach was only matched by her passion for her students. She certainly left her mark on education and the lives of many here in Gloucester Township."

An investigation into the cause of the crash continues.

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