Longtime kindergarten teacher killed when car overturns in South Jersey

A longtime kindergarten teacher was killed Tuesday night in a two-car crash at a Gloucester Township intersection, police said.

Michelle Barrett, 46, of Gloucester Township, was the driver of one of the cars that overturned at the corner of Erial Road and Douglas Avenue around 6:20 p.m. and died at the hospital, according to a release from the Gloucester Township Police.

Her passenger was also taken to the hospital, but police did not update their status Wednesday night.

The other driver was also hospitalized but suffered minor injuries and was in stable condition Tuesday night. Police also did not provide an update on their condition.

Barrett was a kindergarten teacher at Chews Elementary School for 20 years, officials said.

Gloucester Township School District Superintendent John Bilodeau said in a statement that Barrett was a “dedicated educator and well respected member of the Chews Elementary School staff.”

“She had devoted the last 20 years faithfully serving both students and their families at Chews Elementary,” Bilodeau said.

Gloucester Township Mayor David Mayer called Barrett a “wonderful teacher.”

“She certainly left her mark on education and the lives of many her in Gloucester Township,” the mayor said in a statement.

Police have not released details on how the accident occurred as of 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Anyone who witnessed the accident or has information was asked to call police at 856-228-4500 or the department’s anonymous tip line at 856-842-5560.

Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @chrisrsheldon Find NJ.com on Facebook.