Driver who narrowly missed NJ crossing guard moments before deadly crash identified
BURLINGTON, N.J - Police have provided an update days after a beloved crossing guard was killed while escorting children across a street in South Jersey.
Bruce Morlack, 74, was struck by a white vehicle at the intersection of Jacksonville Road and James Street in Burlington on Friday morning.
The children were uninjured, but the crossing guard succumbed to his injuries a short time later.
Just seconds prior, Morlack and both children were almost hit by a red vehicle in the marked crosswalk. The white vehicle remained on scene, but the red vehicle drove off.
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On Monday, police said they identified the driver by tracing the red vehicle using surveillance footage.
Their identity has yet to be released, and no charges have been announced.
The crossing guard's tragic death left the community in shock, mourning a man they had known for years.
"When I found out it was the crossing guard, I immediately just prayed for him, because he’s been our crossing guard for many years," said Dr. Claudia Maxie. "We give him Christmas cards. We talk to him all the time. He plays harmonica on the corner, he waves at everybody, he picks up all the trash and keeps the area clean. He’s an exceptional person and we love him."