RICHMOND, Va. — Mary Munford Elementary School principal Gregory Muzik was hospitalized Tuesday after he was hit by a car while riding his bicycle on Patterson Avenue, near Commonwealth Avenue, in Richmond around 4:30 p.m.
The Muzik family reached out to CBS 6 late Tuesday night, saying the injuries were life-threatening and that Mr. Muzik would be in the hospital for an extended period of time.
The driver of the vehicle remained on the scene, according to Richmond police. They added that the investigation is ongoing potential charges are under review. Anyone with information about the incident can contact RPD at (804) 646-1369.
Muzik has been principal at Mary Munford for more than 30 years, according to the school's website.
"While we do not have updates on his status at this time, we will share them, as appropriate, as soon as we are able to," a message from the school to the community Tuesday night read.
The school said additional counselors and support will be on-site for students and teachers on Wednesday.
"Our hearts are open to parents and Munford graduates, as well," the letter said.
Richmond Superintendent Jason Kamras shared the following statement about Mr. Muzik on Wednesday:
Greg Muzik is a tremendous school leader and a wonderful member of the RPS community who exemplifies what it means to Lead with Love. We're deeply grateful to our first responders and his medical team for their quick actions and care, and are in close contact with his family as well. RPS has a counseling team on-site, and our hearts and doors are open to all parents, students, and graduates. We're wishing Mr. Muzik a total recovery, and keeping his family close in our thoughts.
While Mr. Muzik remains hospitalized, his family asked the community to do their best not to "overrun the ICU with their goodwill which could overwhelm the staff."
The crash happened less than a mile from the elementary school in Richmond's West End.
In 2022, CBS 6 interviewed Mr. Muzik and Mary Munford families who were raising awareness about traffic concerns around campus.
During that rally, Muzik told CBS 6 a lot had changed in the neighborhood compared to when he moved there 30 years ago.
“I walk or bike to school every day and it used to be getting across Grove was nothing. There were no cars. But it is very, very busy now,” he said in 2022. "The official walk zone for Richmond is a mile. Most kids don’t walk that far but we have many families that live blocks from the school. But, because of concerns about safety they either ride the bus or drive their kids to school."
This is a developing story. Email more information to the CBS 6 Newsroom.
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