Steven Mayer, killed Tuesday morning while jogging, was remembered by friends and colleagues as a man committed to Robbinsville students
ROBBINSVILLE - When Robbinsville Mayor Dave Fried first heard that someone had been struck and killed near the township high school Tuesday morning, he sent a text to school Superintendent Steven Mayer.
It was reflex. Mayer was always the person to turn to when it came the schools, Fried said.
"He was the first person I texted before I new he was involved,'' Fried said. "He's someone that I reached out to on a regular basis. He was someone that we all leaned on. He was loved and he will be missed."
Fried was joined by school and municipal officials at a morning news conference where Mayer was remembered for his seemingly boundless energy and commitment to Robbinsville schools.
"Steve always put the students' needs first, and we will continue that as we move through this devastating loss," school board President Matthew O'Grady said. "Anyone who had the privilege of knowing him understands our loss.''
N.J. school superintendent dies after being struck by car while jogging
Mayer was struck and killed by a southbound car driven by a Robbinsville High School student around 6:15 a.m. while he and his dog were jogging along Robbinsville-Edinburg Road. The dog also was killed, police said.
The 17-year-old girl was not identified by police. No charges have been filed. The Mercer County Prosecutor's Office is investigating, acting Robbinsville Chief Chris Nitti said.
Kathy Foster, assistant superintendent, will fill in for Mayer until the board can take formal action, O'Grady said.
About a dozen teachers, district and municipal employees lined the room during the news conference, some openly weeping.
"This whole community is just really suffering,'' said Township Committeewoman Christine Ciaccio. "But we'll come together and we'll be okay.''
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O'Grady praised Mayer's leadership during his nearly 7-year tenure and said the number of initiatives Mayer undertook was too big to list. Fried echoed those comments and lauded Mayer's personality.
"Dr. Mayer was a ball of energy,'' Fried said. "He was someone you always wanted to be around. He was passionate about our kids, the school. He was an educator and he was also a coach. He brought so much of his energy to our district.''
Fried reminded everyone that another family also is grieving after Tuesday's tragedy.
"There are two families involved in this tragedy, both Dr. Mayer's and the student's family and we're praying for them all,'' Fried said. "It's heartbreaking for all of us.''
Keith Brown may be reached at kbrown@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @KbrownTrenton. Find NJ.com on Facebook.