ORANGE PARK, Fla. — A community is in shock after a dedicated school crossing guard was hit by a car and seriously injured on Tuesday morning, just one week after the new school year resumed.
The incident occurred at the intersection of Gano Avenue and Miller Street, directly outside Grove Park Elementary School. According to the Orange Park Police Department, the guard—identified affectionately by local families as “Miss Sherry or Aunty Sherry”—was actively stopping traffic wearing a high-visibility safety vest and holding a stop sign at the time of the collision.
She’s in the hospital with serious injuries.
READ: Crossing guard hit by car, seriously injured, Orange Park police say
“I saw a crossing guard laying on the ground and I thought maybe it was just too hot, until one of the officers told me exactly what happened,” said Sekyia Williams, a local parent. “She is a nice lady, very helpful, and she’s definitely for the children and their safety. I just hope everything is okay.”
According to families Sherry is a familiar and deeply loved fixture in the neighborhood, having protected area children for years.
“I’m so worried about Miss Sherry. She’s a lifesaver,” said Jacqueline, a long-time friend. “She takes care of these kids every day. She’s out here in rain, sleet, or snow. She’s been here for years, and these kids love her.”
Students returning for the school year were equally devastated by the news. Jayceon Roberts, a student who has crossed with Sherry for over five years, noted the deep impact she has had on the campus. “We call her Aunt Sherry,” Roberts said. “She would always just be a kind person and have an impact on half of the students’ lives at Grove Park Elementary.”
“I just want to say you’re going to get through this and God has your back, I promise,” said Roberts.
“Y’all need to slow these cars down,” Jacqueline pleaded. “There are babies out here. Your baby could have got hit. That’s not a good thing. Slow down.”
Orange Park Police statement to the media:
Earlier this morning, Orange Park Police officers responded to a traffic crash at the intersection of Gano Avenue and Miller Street involving one of our crossing guards. The preliminary investigation indicates the crossing guard was actively stopping traffic on Miller Street when a vehicle turning southbound onto Miller Street from Gano Avenue struck her. At the time of the crash, the crossing guard was wearing a high-visibility traffic vest and was holding a stop sign. The driver immediately stopped at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation. The crossing guard was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. The crash remains under investigation. We ask motorists to remain alert, slow down, and use extra caution when approaching school zones and crossing guards. Our crossing guards put their own safety on the line each day to help ensure our children make it safely across our roadways. They are dedicated members of our community, and we are incredibly grateful for the work they do. With school back in session, we cannot emphasize this enough: Please slow down, stay alert, and use extra caution when driving near schools, crosswalks, and crossing guards. A few extra seconds of patience can make all the difference.
Statement from Clay County District Schools regarding the incident near Grove Park Elementary School this morning: “Clay County District Schools is deeply concerned following an incident that occurred this morning near Grove Park Elementary School, where a crossing guard provided by the Orange Park Police Department was struck by a vehicle. The crossing guard was transported via emergency services to a local hospital for injuries. Our thoughts and support are with the guard, their loved ones, and our partners at OPPD.
“Our highest priority is the well-being of our students and staff. Clay County District Schools has deployed our District Crisis Team, including counselors, to Grove Park Elementary to assist any students or staff who may have witnessed the accident or need support processing today’s events.
“For any questions regarding the accident investigation or the condition of the crossing guard, please contact the Orange Park Police Department directly.
“We strongly urge all drivers to slow down, eliminate distractions, and pay close attention when traveling through school zones and near our campuses. The safety of our students, staff, and the dedicated team members who protect them every day relies on everyone driving responsibly.”
>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<
[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]
[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
