Award
Beloved NJ Crossing Guard Dies Saving Students from Oncoming Driver
2024-12-09
In the heart of Burlington, New Jersey, a remarkable incident unfolded that would etch the name of Bruce Morlack into the annals of heroism. At 74 years old, Morlack dedicated himself to a noble cause - serving as a crossing guard. On the fateful morning of Friday, December 6th, his life was tragically cut short in a crash that would shock the community.

"A Guardian's Final Act - Saving Lives in Burlington"

Section 1: The Fateful Day

According to the press release from the Burlington Police Department, Morlack was selflessly helping two students from the Burlington City School District cross the street. His heroic actions were a testament to his unwavering dedication to the safety of the young. As he held the stop sign, ready to guide the students across, an oncoming driver's negligence put everything at risk. The red car allegedly ignored the stop sign and narrowly missed the group, only to be followed by a white car that struck Morlack. This tragic chain of events left the community in shock and mourning.

Surveillance video obtained by NBC10 provided a vivid account of the incident. It showed Morlack's unwavering presence as he tried to ensure the safety of the students. His selfless act of holding the stop sign became a symbol of his commitment to protecting the lives of others.

Section 2: The Driver's Actions

The driver of the 2015 Chrysler 200 remained at the scene, showing cooperation with the investigation. This act of responsibility was crucial in the aftermath of the tragedy. While the investigation is ongoing and no criminal charges have been filed yet, the community awaits the full details of what led to this devastating accident.

The driver's actions on that fateful day will forever be a part of the story. It is a reminder of the importance of being vigilant on the roads and respecting the safety of those around us. Morlack's sacrifice serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of negligence.

Section 3: Morlack's Legacy

Morlack's sister, Sandy Wheatley, shared with 6 ABC that her brother became a crossing guard five years ago after retiring. His act of service was a natural extension of his caring nature. "He waves to everybody," she recalled. "Everybody was important to him."

Morlack's heroic actions have left an indelible mark on the community. His selfless dedication to the safety of others will be remembered for generations to come. He truly was a hero, and his legacy will continue to inspire others to act with kindness and bravery.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE’s free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.
More Stories
see more