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Centenary University First Lady Dies After Being Struck By Hackettstown Hit-And-Run Driver

Centenary University First Lady Jeanne (Picariello) Murphy died after being struck by a hit-and-run driver in Hackettstown, authorities confirmed.

Jeanne (Picariello) Murphy

Jeanne (Picariello) Murphy

Photo Credit: Centenary University

Murphy, 70, was struck on Reese Avenue near First Avenue around 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 7, police said.

She was rushed to Hackettstown Medical Center and flown to Morristown Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead around 12 p.m. Sunday.

The driver, Jefferson Chimbo-Pelaez, 25, of Hackettstown, was later located, taken into custody and was being held in the Warren County Jail, police said.

Murphy, wife of President Bruce Murphy, Ed.D., was taking her morning walk during the tragic incident, according to a release from the university.

She was a retired U.S. Army colonel celebrated for the dedication she had to her family and work.

Murphy was the designated Chef de Mission for the U.S. Paralympic Team during the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens and held many other leadership roles.

In addition to her loving husband, Murphy is survived by three brothers, David Picariello, Jim Picariello and his wife, Jean; and Gary Picariello and his wife, Julia; two nieces, Jasmin Picariello and Lauren Picariello; and a nephew, Jonathan Picariello, who is serving with the US Air Force.

Murphy’s funeral services were pending.

Counselors will be on campus for those in need of additional support, the university added.

“As the Centenary University community mourns this terrible loss, we ask that you pray for Dr. Murphy and his family, while affording them the privacy to grieve.”

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