A 15-year-old freshman at Lenape High School in Mount Laurel has died after getting by a car along Church Road on Sunday, May 3, the school said in a message to the community.
School officials announced the death of Jude Gill on Wednesday morning. Gill was hospitalized on Sunday night after he was struck by a vehicle while walking along Church Road near Union Mill Road.
At the time of the crash, police did not specify the seriousness of Gill’s injuries.
“Our Lenape Family suffered a tragic loss today with the death of student Jude Gill, a well-respected and beloved member of our freshman class,” said Lenape High School Principal Tony Cattani. “Jude’s death will be felt deeply within our school and throughout our community.”
Chris Beeler. the president of Mt. Laurel basketball and Gill’s former coach, said that he was great kid with a future ahead of him.
“Just a super kid, he’s very respectful, very funny, very outgoing,” Beeler said. “Very friendly. He made friends with everybody. He was just a good kid.”
Beeler said he coached Gill until last summer, when he became a freshman at Lenape High School.
“Just a very personable, good kid, great manner. Always respectful,” he said. “Everybody feels the same way, it’s just tragic.”
Cattani in his message said that counseling services will be available for community members as they deal with the tragedy.
“Our thoughts are with the Gill Family during this extremely difficult time. As we navigate this loss, I know, as always, our school community will come together to support one another with compassion and care. Please continue to look after one another,” Cattani said.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help the Gill family at this time.
NBC10 was at the scene on Sunday night to find a car with damage still at the scene. Police said that the 29-year-old driver involved stayed at the scene and was cooperating with investigators at the time.
The Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office responded to the scene alongside the Mount Laurel Police Department and the latest update provided by officials is that an investigation is ongoing.