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Memorial grows for ‘wonderful teacher’ killed walking in Mechanicsville

Posted at 6:30 PM, Mar 08, 2018
and last updated 2018-03-09 08:49:50-05

MECHANICSVILLE, Va. -- With tears, love, flowers, and a cross, a makeshift memorial grew Thursday in remembrance of Hanover pre-school teacher Suzanne O’Donnell.

The Hanover Sheriff’s Department said O’Donnell died Wednesday, March 7, due to injuries she sustained after she was struck by a teenager operating a 2008 Dodge Caliber.

O’Donnell was struck at about 6:28 a.m. on Feb. 27, while O’Donnell was walking in the 9100 block of Kings Charter Drive.

Suzanne O’Donnell

Suzanne O’Donnell

According to investigators, the preliminary findings reveal the teenage driver was headed south on Kings Charter Drive when her car crossed both lanes of travel, and hit O’Donnell near the intersection of Kings Charter Drive and Stephens Manor Drive.

Neighbors remembered O’Donnell was a wife, a mom, a pre-school teacher, a friend and so much more.

O’Donnell's colleagues at New Hanover Christian School took to social media, posting pictures and writing statuses like, “Heaven gained one amazing angel..."

And dozens of parents did the same.

“She was such a wonderful teacher, and our son adored her," one post read. "A beautiful woman inside and out... Praying for peace and comfort for her family.”

Makeshift memorial for Suzanne O’Donnell.

Makeshift memorial for Suzanne O’Donnell.

Investigators said they are still collecting information to determine the circumstances that led to the incident.

Once the investigation is complete they will talk to the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office to determine if charges against the teen driver will be filed.

This is a developing story, so anyone with more information can submit a news tip here.

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