It was a sea of flowers and candles Tuesday evening at a candlelight vigil to honor the life of Robbinsville School Superintendent Steven Mayer, who was killed earlier that day after being struck by a car while jogging.
The vigil, held at Foxmoor Community Park on Washington Boulevard, drew hundreds of people, many still in shock at news of the death of the popular educator.
According to the Robbinsville Township Police Department, Dr. Mayer was struck by a 17-year-old female school district student while jogging on Robbinsville-Edinburg Road near Robbinsville High School.
An official police statement, issued Tuesday afternoon by Robbinsville Township Police Department Acting Chief Lt. Chris Nitti, said: “At approximately 6:12 a.m. on Tuesday, April 19, a 17-year-old Robbinsvile High School student was traveling southbound on Route 526/Robbinsville-Edinburg Road when the driver struck and killed a pedestrian later identified as Robbinsville School Superintendent Dr. Steven J. Mayer. Dr. Mayer’s dog was also struck and killed.”
Firefighters from the Robbinsville Township Fire Department, along with EMTs and paramedics from Capital Health EMS, were dispatched at 6:16 a.m. Tuesday to the area of Robbinsville-Edinburgh Road for an “unconscious person.” While en route, responders were updated that the incident was a pedestrian struck by auto. Mr. Mayer was found dead at the scene.
A statement on the Robbinsville School District website read: “With a heavy heart, we share with you devastating news that our beloved Dr. Steven Mayer, Superintendent of Schools, passed away this morning from a tragic accident. All Robbinsville schools will be closed Tuesday, April 19, 2016. Crisis counseling will be available at Robbinsville High School in the commons area this afternoon. More details on the specific timing will be forthcoming.”
Schools were closed Tuesday and will be closed Wednesday and all after-school activities have been canceled for both days.
“Words cannot begin to convey the sorrow I feel for Donna and their children, Steve’s many friends and extended family, the Robbinsville School District and this entire community,” said Robbinsville Mayor David Fried in a statement. “Above all, Steve was a friend who I spoke with often. I will miss his spirit, his leadership, his energy and his passion for the students of Robbinsville and everyone he worked with. Steve was so full of life and a genuinely nice guy. He is someone we all truly admire.”
Mr. Mayer was hired in 2009 as superintendent for the Robbinsville School District following the retirement of John Szabo. He was the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction in the West Windsor-Plainsboro School District at Grover Middle School. There, his initial role was as the school’s first principal; he was named assistant superintendent in 2007.
“My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to Dr. Mayer’s family, loved ones and the greater Robbinsville community who have all suffered a great loss this morning,” said Sen. Linda R. Greenstein, whose 14th District covers Robbinsville Township, in a statement Tuesday. “The Robbinsville school district has achieved great success over the years under Dr. Mayer’s esteemed leadership and his commitment to excellence. His loss will be felt by all the students and families, teachers and staff who crossed his path and by the community at large. My thoughts are with the Robbinsville school community during this very difficult time.”
Assemblyman Wayne P. DeAngelo (D-Hamilton) also released the following statement Tuesday: “We are a community in deep shock and grief today after the tragic passing of Dr. Steven Mayer this morning. Dr. Mayer was a passionate, dedicated and kind man who cared deeply about the students and faculty that he led and the community in which he lived.
“He was always looking for ways to improve the Robbinsville School system even speaking with me just days ago about thoughts he had regarding the growing school district. Dr. Mayer always wanted the students and schools to be the best. He represented the very best.
“My deepest thoughts and prayers to his family as they mourn and to all of those touched by this tragic loss for Robbinsville.”
The incident is still under investigation by Robbinsville Township Police and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.
