Vineland Mourns Death Of Alexa Strittmatter

Many in Vineland are wearing orange as the community continues to mourn the death of Alexa J. Strittmatter who was hit twice crossing Main Street heading for her bus stop on Wednesday morning and are reaching out to her favorite band to get them to notice.

Alexa Strittmatter (Facebook)

A North Vineland High School student wears an orange "A" and wears orange in honor of Alexia Strittmatter (Twitter)

The South Jersey Times reports the 14-year-old was struck in the early morning darkness first by an Chevrolet Impala driven by Norberto Rodriguez-Centeno, 35, of Hammonton. She was then hit a second time by a Toyota Camry. Centeno and Marthenia Gaymon, 66, of Vineland, the driver of the Toyota, remained at the scene as police arrived. Strittmatter died at Inspira Medical Center Vineland.

Students were called to an assembly at Vineland High School North where they were told of her death. Grief counselors were on hand at the school to help students cope as an immediate sadness set in at the school.

Today many students are wearing orange clothes in honor of Strittmatter.

"This is a horrific tragedy and right now our thoughts and prayers are with the family, her friends, fellow students and our staff," said Dr. Mary Gruccio Superintendent of Schools in a statement on the Vineland School District's Facedbook page.

Mario Olsen, VHS North Principal wrote, "Alexa was a lovely young woman and a valued member of the Vineland High School North family and her presence will be sorely missed," We at the VHS North family grieve with Alexa's family and friends and send our deepest condolences to them."

Starbucks and Nutella

Main Street in Vineland where Alexa was struck (NBC 10)

"Others whose lives she touched in her short life remembered the freshman fondly. She was a beam of light,” Best of Entertainment Dance Academy owner Susan Powell told the Daily Journal. “She was always smiling.” Powell recalled that as a member of the Academy's junior ballet company “she was coming out of her shell. She was blossoming into a lovely young woman.”

"She liked Starbucks and Nutella," Anne Marie Mainiero, a friend of Alexa’s older sister told the newspaper.

No charges have been filed in the accident. "It's very important for us to do a very complete investigation, which we will do," Vineland Police Chief Timothy Codispoti told NBC 10.

Friends and family are hoping her favorite band One Direction will take note of her death and are using #1DForAlexa to get their attention on Twitter.