Heroic principal dies protecting students from off-road bus

'She had a remarkable way of making everyone she came in contact with feel valued and important. She had a passion for children that is unmatched.'

Susan Jordan, an elementary school principal, was killed when she pushed students from a bus that lurched forward and struck her and two 10-year-old students.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Online Athens reported students were walking home from Indianapolis' Amy Beverland Elementary School of Communications when a bus suddenly lurched onto the sidewalk.

Indianapolis Fire Department Captain Rita Reith stated: "At some point, the stationary bus lurched forward and jumped the curb. The bus was not moving at the time directly before it jumped the curb."

Reith reported the bus driver had no explanation for why the bus moved, though the driver described "in the instant that the accident occurred," Jordan pushed several students out of harm's way.

Sadly, Jordan was killed and two 10-year-old boys were hospitalized with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

The bus held 25 students, all of whom were examined by emergency responders, but none required medical treatment.

At a news conference, Lawrence Township Schools Superintendent Shawn Smith shared that Jordan had been the principal of the elementary school for twenty-two years and was much beloved by staff and the school community.

"This is a great example of an educational leader in our state and our city," Smith stated. "Just a phenomenal individual that truly cared about children. This is a tragic situation that we have. This loss is going to ripple across our district of 15,000 students."

On Wednesday, the district canceled classes at all of its schools and released a statement explaining four locations would be "open for emotional support to our staff and families."

According to The Washington Post, Indianapolis Police Sgt. Kendale Adams reported the investigation into what caused the bus to move remains under investigation and added investigators are "going off the premise this was a tragic and unfortunate accident," as the driver showed no signs of impairment.

In a statement released by the local Board of Education, Jordan was remembered for having "a remarkable way of making everyone she came into contact with feel valued and important. She had a passion for children that is unmatched."

Jordan's colleagues remember her as a person who expected the best from everyone and who did "everything in her power to make sure that any child that attended that school is going to be successful."

Denna Renbarger, the director of early childhood education for the school district, explained Jordan "loved that school. She owned that school with every inch of her."

Indiana Governor Mike Pence stated: "Our hearts ache for her family, the school community and for all the children who were fortunate enough to be part of her world. Hoosiers will never forget that Principal Jordan lived the life of a hero and can always be grateful for her service and courage."

Pence ordered flags to be flown at half-staff to honor Jordan the day of her funeral, which is set for Saturday.

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