RCSD teacher killed in collision with deer in LeRoy

Evan Bourtis News10NBC

RCSD teacher killed in crash in LeRoy (video credit: Alecia Kaus)

LEROY, N.Y. — The community is mourning the loss of a city school teacher killed in a car crash Wednesday.

Judith Purdy, 58, was northbound on Route 19 in LeRoy when a deer entered the road just after 7 a.m., according to the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. Purdy died at the scene.

Purdy was on her way to work at Abraham Lincoln School 22 at the time of the crash. She taught in the Rochester City School District for over 20 years.

“She was kind and caring, and her students and colleagues loved her dearly,” according to a district spokesperson. “Her contributions to our district will have a long-lasting impact, and she will be incredibly missed.”

The district’s Trauma, Illness, and Grief team is providing support to students and staff.

Meanwhile, the crash remains under investigation.

Assistant Fire Chief Joshua Pfendler provided this statement from the Le Roy Fire Department: “The Le Roy Fire Department was saddened by the sudden passing of Judy Purdy. She was a former member of our department and a great supporter of all emergency responders. Judy served our community for many years and enjoyed teaching fire safety to local students. As a volunteer firefighter she was always willing to help and had a passion for helping others. Our thoughts go out to Judy’s family and friends during this difficult time.” (Photo: Provided/Joshua Pfendler)