Crime & Safety

Sanders Corner Principal Struck by Car, Dies

The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the incident near her home in Sterling.

An investigation by the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office continues after Sanders Corner Elementary School Principal Kathleen M. Hwang was killed while attempting to cross a road near her home in the Lowes Island area.

Deputies responded to Whitewater Drive and Levee Way around 3:15 p.m. Nov. 21 following reports of an accident involving a pedestrian.

Hwang, 60, was attempting to cross Whitewater Drive when a westbound 2001 Dodge Durango struck her, according to an LCSO report. Hwang died at the scene. An 18-year-old male was driving the Durango, according to the report. No charges are pending.

A preliminary investigation by the LCSO Crash Reconstruction Unit, including witness reports, indicated that Hwang was not at a designated crosswalk or intersection when she attempted to cross the road. According to the LCSO report, Hwang apparently did not see the oncoming SUV when stepped from the curb.

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Loudoun County Public Schools Superintendent Edgar B. Hatrick sent an email to parents following Hwang’s passing so they could share the information with their children, rather than having them learn about it elsewhere or at school Monday.

"This is a very sad time in the life of this vibrant school, and we are all grateful for the years of outstanding leadership given to Sanders Corner by Mrs. Hwang since 2005,” Hatrick wrote in the email. “Our first concern now is for the well-being of all the students that Mrs. Hwang loved so much.”

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Hatrick also said a Crisis Resource Team would be on duty at the school Monday morning.


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