She "has been a caring and valued member of our team for many years and will be missed greatly," according to a statement by the school.
Christine Woodward, a 47-year-old teacher, passed away in a car crash despite efforts to rescue her from the blazing wreckage, according to a report made public by Pennsylvania police. Just before 11 p.m. on February 11, Woodward's vehicle and a Jeep Grand Cherokee crashed violently at a junction on State Route 6 in Sullivan Township at which point the car caught fire, Pennsylvania, per PEOPLE. Shortly after the collision, a fire broke out close to Woodward's SUV and swiftly spread to her vehicle, Pennsylvania State Police stated. The 35-year-old driver of the other car "attempted to remove Woodward from the vehicle; however, the fire prevented him from getting Woodward out of the car," the report noted.
The mother of three passed away at the scene, while the driver of the other SUV was sent to Robert Packer Hospital for treatment after suffering "serious" injuries. According to authorities, an investigation into what caused the collision is still ongoing. For almost 15 years, Woodward taught at the Troy Area School District's elementary schools. She was "an active member of our booster groups and was regarded as a mother figure to many of our students," according to a statement from the School District.
"Ms. Woodward has been a caring and valued member of our team for many years and will be missed greatly by staff and students alike. She will be remembered as a dedicated staff member who, over the years, made so many strong connections with whom she encountered. Her passion for education was evident daily. She taught her students with high expectations and great flourish," the statement described the teacher.
In addition to teaching, Woodward was involved with the Troy Trojans 3 Point Club. She was commended for her fervor and unflappable temperament. The group, which sponsors the neighborhood high school basketball team, said it was "a huge loss" to lose the mother. "Chris was always smiling and kind with her upbeat attitude that never let us down. Even if we were all flying by the seat of our pants," club members wrote in a Facebook post about Woodward, who served as the organization's president. "She was a very caring, kind, and compassionate person, especially when it came to her three children," they added.
A member of the group, Nicole Martin Matthews, wrote that the team feels "heartbroken over the passing of Christine Woodward." Christine was described as a "huge supporter" of the cause of women's sports and said she was not only a supporter but also "a former booster club member, volunteer coach, supportive parent, and loyal fan." The post concluded with prayers to the family for this loss, writing, "She was a kind soul with a giving heart. She gave so much of herself to sports, school, and our community. Please keep her three children, family, friends, colleagues, and students in your thoughts and prayers."
References:
https://people.com/human-interest/pennsylvania-teacher-dies-fiery-crash/
https://www.psp.pa.gov/PIRRs/Mansfield%20Press%20Releases/F_MANSFIELD_12Feb2023_2030.pdf
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2689536014653118/?multi_permalinks
Cover Image Source: Facebook | Troy Trojans 3 Point Club
