At approximately 4:04 p.m. May 18, two Jefferson Elementary School students were crossing the intersection of Sixth and Chestnut streets, Emmaus, when struck by a motor vehicle.

One of the students, Abigail Zukowski, 11, was pronounced dead at 4:35 p.m. May 18 at Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest. According to Chief Deputy Coroner Andrew Kehm, D-ABMDI, the cause of death was multiple blunt force injuries.

Emmaus Police Department Sgt. Karl Geschwindt said the Emmaus Police Department responded to the scene and was assisted by the Pennsylvania State Police, Emmaus EMS and the Emmaus Fire Department. The accident is currently an active investigation.

Geschwindt confirmed the driver of the vehicle did stop following the accident.

East Penn School District Superintendent Dr. Michael Schilder issued the following statement to The Press.

"I am deeply saddened to inform you that on May 18, two students who attend Jefferson Elementary School were hit by a car as they were crossing the intersection of Sixth and Chestnut streets, Emmaus. One student has died of her injuries and the second student is currently in critical condition. Our heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to the families and friends of these two children as we join together to support them and each other during this tragedy."

Schilder said the district's crisis management team was at Jefferson Elementary School May 19 and will be available for students, staff and families throughout the week.

Speaking by telephone the morning of May 19 Tom Randazzo, owner of Joe's Pizza II, 578 Chestnut St., near the location of the accident, said he, an employee and his daughter were in the pizza shop at the time of the accident.

Randazzo said his employee alerted him to the accident and Randazzo had his daughter call the police after he saw the girls on the ground when he went out to help.

The Jefferson Elementary School PTO has started a memory and hope fund for the two families. More information can be found by visiting www. youcaring.com and search for Jefferson PTO.