Ask Dr. Mike

Ask Dr. Mike: Grieving Hwang’s Loss

The local psychologist responds to a question about the community’s recent loss.

Dr. Mike, My son’s principal, Ms. Kathleen Hwang of Sanders Corner Elementary School, was killed this past week when she was hit by a car while crossing the street. We told our son about the news, and he is very upset. He is so upset that he doesn’t want to return to school on Monday. Do you have an advice on how to get us through this difficult time? L in Loudoun County   L, First of all, Ms. Hwang’s tragic death is a tremendous loss to the community. She was an excellent principal, and was very well liked by her colleagues and students. We all process traumatic news differently, and while there are some well-proven predictable stages for loss and grief, expect your son to experience a varied set of emotions over the coming days and weeks…

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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 …

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