Mableton Crossing Guard Killed: Family, Friends Hold Vigil

MABLETON, GA — The friends and family of a school crossing guard who was killed on duty last week came together on Tuesday evening for a vigil to honor her memory. They also staged a safety walk to call for reducing traffic hazards along the busy road where she died, WSB-TV Channel 2 reported.

Edna Umeh, 64, of Austell was directing traffic on Veterans Memorial Highway on Nov. 30, in the school zone in front of Lindley Middle School, when an Uber driver struck and killed her. Her family members told Channel 2 that changes need to be made to the highway to prevent such accidents in the future.

They also want state and local officials to crack down on speeding drivers in school zones. To press their point, Umeh's family and supporters walked in protest Tuesday night from Harmony-Leland Elementary School and along Veterans Memorial Highway to Lindley Middle School.

Cobb County police are investigating the fatal accident, and charges are expected to be filed against the driver, Channel 2 reported. Cobb County Police Chief Michael Register said officers will step up traffic enforcement efforts in the area in the next few weeks and work with school officials to improve traffic and pedestrian safety.

On Friday, Cobb County officials announced that state and local transportation engineers will study the stretch of Veterans Memorial Highway where the fatal accident occurred. The Corridor Safety Audit will help the county and state assess safety problems along the highway, such as speeding drivers.

Jim Wilgus, the director of Cobb's Department of Transportation, said the most immediate solution could involve placing medians on the road, including pedestrian refuge islands.

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