Teen who fatally struck her school's superintendent driving to class trip charged

ROBBINSVILLE TWP., N.J. -- An 18-year-old woman has been charged in a crash that killed Robbinsville School Superintendent Dr. Steven Mayer in April.

The teen, whose name is being withheld because she was a juvenile at the time of the incident, is charged with death by auto and leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident resulting in death, both second-degree offenses.

She was also issued citations charging her with reckless driving, improper use of a cellphone while driving and leaving the scene of an accident.

"It's just really sad for both families. The superintendent's family as well as her family," said Lyn Waldman of Princeton Junction, New Jersey.

Mayer, 52, was out jogging with his dog, Dutch, near his home at 6:15 a.m. on April 19 when both were struck and killed on Robbinsville Edinburg Road near Anderson Lane in Robbinsville Township.

Police say the accident happened as the driver, a female student at Robbinsville High School, was heading to school early for a class trip.

The Mercer County Prosecutor's Office says the 17-year-old was talking on her cellphone while driving her car.

"It's tragic all the way around, and this young girl will never be the same," said Deborah Palumbo of Hamilton, New Jersey.

Mayer, a husband and father of three, was mourned by hundreds at a vigil just after the crash. All district schools were closed for two days.

As the school year went on, the investigation into the crash continued. Detectives reviewed witness statements, physical evidence and cell phone records.

"It's kind of like a wake-up call that it's not all about your phone," said Jamie Dunlap of Princeton Junction, New Jersey.

Jamie, 16, just got her driver's permit, and says the crash prompted safety discussions.

"My mom tells me every time I get in the driver's seat, even though she's with me, 'Don't even look at your phone. Turn it off. It can wait,' " said Jamie.

The teen will be required to appear in Family Court before a Superior Court judge. However, that hearing date has not been determined.