'Beloved' Elementary School Principal Dies Protecting Students From Bus Crash
— -- Students and teachers in Indiana are mourning the loss of a beloved principal who died after jumping in front of a bus to protect young students.
Susan Jordan, the longtime principal at Amy Beverland Elementary School, died Tuesday afternoon after being hit when a bus ran onto the curb outside of the school, authorities said.
Two 10-year-old students were also hit, and they were hospitalized with serious but non-life threatening injuries.
The bus driver said that she saw Jordan push students out of the way before being hit, Indianapolis Fire Department Capt. Rita Teith told ABC News.
"She had a remarkable way of making everyone she came in contact with feel valued and important. She had a passion for children that is unmatched," the local Board of Education said in a statement.
All schools in the Lawrence Township school district were cancelled today to "mourn the loss of our beloved Susan Jordan," the school district website said.
Gov. Mike Pence ordered flags at state buildings in the county to be lowered on the day of Jordan's yet-unscheduled funeral.
"Our hearts ache for her family, the school community and for all the children who were fortunate enough to be part of her world," Pence said in a statement today. "Hoosiers will never forget that Principal Jordan lived the life of a hero and can always be grateful for her service and courage."
Pence and his wife paid their respects at the school this morning.
Indianapolis Police Sgt. Kendale Adams told the AP the investigation into the accident is ongoing.
Adams told the AP the female driver showed no signs of impairment and the police are "going off the premise this was a tragic and unfortunate accident."
