Pedestrian killed in Middletown identified

A pedestrian struck and killed by a car while crossing Route 36 in Middletown Saturday has been identified by police as 36-year-old John Chambers, a lifelong Township resident who owned a landscaping business and also worked as a custodian at Harmony Elementary, according to school officials. 

In a letter posted online Sunday, Principal Erik Paulson said Chambers was often the first face children would see in the morning and during lunch periods.

"John loved working with our students, staff, and (Parent Teacher Orgzanization) to ensure our daily operations ran safely and smoothly," said Paulson.

Extra counselors will be on hand at Harmony School as students return today from the holiday break, according to Paulson. Chambers' wife, Melissa, also works at the school as a paraprofessional.

Chambers was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver remained on hand. Police said the investigation is ongoing.

Chambers was the father of a 15-month-old daughter and was an active member of the Middletown Fraternal Order of Police, according to a GoFundMe page created in his honor.