Who was Christine Woodward? Community pays tribute to elementary teacher, 47, who died in horrific car crash despite rescue efforts
SULLIVAN TOWNSHIP, PENNSYLVANIA: A 47-year-old teacher died in a catastrophic car crash despite efforts to rescue her from the blazing wreckage, according to a Pennsylvania police report. Just before 11 pm on Saturday, February 11, 2023, Christine Woodward's GMC Acadia and a Jeep Grand Cherokee collided at a junction on State Route 6 in Sullivan Township, Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania State Police report stated that shortly after the collision, a fire broke out close to Woodward's SUV and swiftly spread to her vehicle. As per the investigation, 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," reports People.
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Who was Christine Woodward?
Woodward spent nearly 15 years as an elementary school teacher in the Troy Area School District. The mother of three tragically died at the spot, while the driver of the other SUV was sent to Robert Packer Hospital for treatment after suffering "significant" injuries.
'Caring and valued member'
The school district described her as "an active member of our booster clubs and was considered a mother figure to many of our students" in a statement. The mother of three has been a "caring and valued member" of their team for many years and "will be missed greatly by staff and students alike," the school wrote. "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 further read,
'Member of the Troy Trojans 3 Point Club'
Woodward, who was lauded for her zeal and cool and collected attitude, was also a member of the Troy Trojans 3 Point Club. The death of the former Mansfield University basketball player was termed "a huge loss" by the group, which sponsors the local high school basketball team.
"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 about Woodward who also worked as the organization's president. "She was a very caring, kind, and compassionate person, especially when it came to her three children," they added.
Social media users and friends shared heartfelt prayers for the Woodward family and the Troy Trojans 3 Point Club. A person wrote in the comments, "I am devastated to hear this tragic news! Chris was an amazing person and there are no words to express my incredible sadness for her family, friends, and our community. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers."
Another user wrote, "Such a wonderful person and mother. Heartbreaking tragedy. Much love and sympathy to all, especially her children." "So very heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends, especially her children. She was one of a kind. Such a nice person and will be missed greatly," wrote another individual. Meanwhile, authorities released a report that stated that an investigation into what caused the collision is still underway.